Hey everyone

Who here takes fiber? I have just started benefiber (3 days) and well so far its strange.. I have had diareh but I seem to be feeling really good! Weird huh...

I'm giving it more time to see how it goes, does anyone (Jan, my saviour?) know if fiber is ever used to prevent chronic pouchitis?

I have searched but can't come up with much..

Tam,

I'm sure fibre should be good for pouchitis because it helps to move things along. It's like lubricant for engines. I remember one lady writing about controlling her pouchitis with benefiber capsules. She was taking large amounts per day.

However, a few of us have reported that benefiber gives us the runs. Have you tried metamucil powder (the smooth, non-flavoured version without fewer additives)? I'm currently making my own metamucil wafers with oats, psyllium husk, spelt flour, yoghurt (or buttermilk) and lots of spices. Much healthier and tastier than the commercial products.

You may also want to try Salba (chia seeds). They're great mixed with yoghurt.

I don't know if there are any data out there that support the notion that dietary fiber prevents pouchitis. However, in a general health sense, dietary fiber is pretty much being touted as sort of a miracle, in that it lowers cholesterol, keeps the bowels moving along normally with less risk of constipation/diarrhea, helps reduce blood sugar, on and on. So, I guess it is all good, especially in our over processed food world.

Jan

Interesting, thankyou!

I've used the metamucil (very gassy) so i gave up on it, that was the original. It was also gross.

Will play around with some, but really i'm hoping the benefibre will stop giving me the waterfall, (although its not that bad compared to gas)it is so ideal - no taste, no hassle.

Are others with Chronic pouchitis probs taking fiber already?

Hi Tam,
Look up the DIY Metamucil thread and you'll find the basic recipe that Nikki and I use. They taste good and you can adjust them to taste like Nikki has. Worth a try; the seeds and husks really clean out your system and certainly don't contain additives etc.

My doctor told me to take citrucel. I was in the ER a few hours later with the most painful blockage I've ever had. These "miracle" things never really work out for me.