Fiber question

Do you take additional fiber?  A week and a half ago I started taking fiber pills and I thought they would make you regular...its not working!  Is this normal?

I personally don't take any additional fiber, since I get more than my RDA from food, and feel that it's unnecessary. I also have a propensity for fiber one cereal. Either way, from what I understand, it's best to get your fiber from food, rather than from supplements. Also: if you've increased your fiber intake, you also have to increase your intake of water to compensate, or else you will just end up constipated. Try drinking more water/eating foods high in fiber (ditching the supplements), and see if that helps with regularity.

I get about 45g/day from fruit, veges and wholegrains... so no, I don't take a supplement. The risk of taking a supplement if you're not getting enough fibre is that you don't just try eating more fresh food instead. And if you're fruit/vegetable/wholegrain intake is low, there are so many good things you are missing out on besides just fibre.

Also, the fibre in supplements is soluble fibre, whereas the fibre in real food is soluble + insoluble (and it's the insoluble fibre that helps most with digestion).

Inadequate intake of fat is one reason for constipation... as is not drinking enough water.

I agree with the above poster that getting fibre from real foods - which is really not that hard - is a lot better than taking a supplement.

I don't but if you do this takes time. It is not a laxative which is good so for some it helps regulate when consistent. Make sure you drink enough water cause that is key. I would also look at how you can get more fiber through your diet so when you do get more regular you can wean off the supplements and just use food.