Possibly TMI - Let's Discuss Fiber

simsk3887

Alright ladies, I'm jumping in the deep end of getting to know me here.

I know that when you're KU and/or during birth, hemorrhoids are common.  My issue is that they are already common in my life.  I average 2 per year, which may not sound like much, however, when you're in pain in areas you don't want to be in pain, 2 is enough to want to rip your hair out.  I've been to the gastroenterologist who claims everything is normal and fine and I should just limit my IBS flare up foods, however, this time, no flare up foods, no issues with movements, nothing.  But guess who came to visit yesterday and AF is due any day now.  Guess I'm a winner all around.

Here's my question - those of you who have been down this road or down any road of gastro issues, what is your fiber recommendation? I'm horrible at swallowing pills so I'm looking for the best tasting chewable or best tasting powder and something that will help my body to be ready for the KU time (hopefully soon) since I figure I'll be dealing with this wonderful issue more often in that time.  Any suggestions?  Hope I didn't offend anyone with my TMI.

R.Wilsonny

Hmmmm....maybe a fiber one bar to help keep things moving?

blueeyedblossom

I was going to suggest the same thing as @R.Wilsonny.
I hope you find something that works well for you!!
Maybe a smoothie with some spinach in it? Or broccoli (not in the smoothie) any green leafy vegetables really.

lilliesandvino

I like the fiber gummies from costco. I feel like the bars/brownies create excess gas.

simsk3887

@blueeyedblossom - I'm horrible with my veggies.  I just never acquired a taste for them when I was younger and I'm not too adventurous as an adult.  My gag reflex is horrendous. 

@lilliesandvino - I will have to search other places because we don't belong at Costco but gummies would be amazing!  Good suggestion!

Mustard76

The Fiber Choice gummies aren't bad at all. They have zero aftertaste, and DH says they taste like candy. We just get them at Walmart.

LuckyAngel07

The spinach in a smoothie recommendation is actually a great one. Even my husband had to admit that he really couldn't tell it was in there at all (except for the tinge of green it may lend the smoothie). If you throw in some vanilla or chocolate protein powder, a banana, water or milk (cow, soy, almond, coconut, etc), and some other fresh or frozen fruit you like, you can just drop a big handful of spinach leaves on top and blend it all up and be good to go! I actually had one a couple of days ago. I used to make one for breakfast every single morning, and then got on more of an oatmeal kick and haven't made them in a while.

I've heard decent reports about Metamucil and Benefiber, but I haven't had any direct experience.

Sewilson33

I love the fiber one bars! I'm also a big veggie eater so my fiber intact is never a huge issue. I get flare ups too and I haven't figured out what foods cause it yet. It is super painful so I know exactly what you mean!

lindsayandjamie

I'm another vote for baby spinach in your smoothie, you really can't taste it especially when you blend it with banana.  I have chronic constipation and make one in the morning, and am guaranteed to be moving along well by the next morning.  

I usually do a handful of baby spinach, frozen berries, almond milk and protein powder.  I also add chia or flax seeds (natural fiber supplements) and my fishoil to it.  Fish oil will also help move things along smoothly and has a million other benefits.

My naturopath has also got me taking a magnesium supplement.  I use the Calm brand and its a powder I add to water and drink it before bed.  It is also really helpful at keeping me moving because magnesium deficiency and constipation are linked.  When I don't take it, I have a much less regular BM situation.

And just a PSA - added fiber supplements can sometimes make things worse unless you drink a ton of water with it because it expands in your intestines by absorbing the fluid in your gut.  If you don't consume enough water it will essentially dry and harden in your bowel, making your problem worse.  So if you want to supplement, just make sure you up your water for your own sake.

RockABye

I've had issues with hemorrhoids (and fissures.. ugh) so I feel the pain. I also have a VERY hard time with pills. As far as fiber goes, the H and I are AdvoCare advisors and I take several products that I'd be happy to share with you but because I don't want to sound like an advertisement, I won't here. Just PM me if you want the deets. They help keep the problems at bay though and keep me regular, which helps avoid the hemorrhoids. In a nutshell, hydration, fiber (both through food and supplementation), hydration, fish oil, and hydration (see a theme here??) are butt savers! lol

LooneyLife

Water, water, water. And when you're done drinking water, drink more.

Seriously though, my acu got me drinking more water, eating a high fiber breakfast daily (I like several things from Kashi), apples are great (anything where you eat the skin), and Lifeway kefir (smoothie drink). It was pretty much life changing for me.

FutureMrsWright2012

I tend to prefer Metamucil in about 4oz of OJ... Probably something my grandma uses, but I don't mind.

simsk3887

Thanks ladies for all of the suggestions!  I'm guessing it was my soda binge over the weekend that brought this one on.  I drink water at work like it's my job (plus it gets me away from my desk long enough for people looking for me to stop looking and leave me be), but when I'm home, I slack.  Something about water from my awesome reuseable cup and straw or nalgene is totally different than water from a glass at home.

I gave my gastro a call again and she said its nothing to be worried about.  Obviously she's unconcerned so I guess I'll just use some OTC stuff for now and then start drinking more water.  I may look into some of the fiber and other options you ladies gave! Thanks for all of the info!