Benefiber Vs Metamucil For Constipation
Wheat dextrin, used by Benefiber, and psyllium husk, used by Metamucil, may both be soluble fiber but their differences are worlds apart. Wheat dextrin and psyllium husk have contrasting properties that produce different effects concerning constipation, diarrhea, weight management, IBS symptoms, and cholesterol levels.
A study conducted in 2015 produced results showing that psyllium taken as a fiber supplement has proven results of relieving symptoms of constipation and diarrhea, and helps normalize bowel movements for IBS sufferers.
Psyllium fiber is described as a soluble fiber with a high water-holding capacity, is also gel-forming and contains a high level of viscosity. All of these elemental properties allow for psyllium to act both as a stool softener and a laxative, both attributes that can immensely relieve constipation.
Alternatively, wheat dextrin does not have the same laxative properties and at specific doses, can even have constipating effects. This is because wheat dextrin fails to hold water and is not as viscous as psyllium soluble fiber.
Because of these results, Metamucil and its use of psyllium as apart of its supplement formula are more effective for the condition of constipation.
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What Are The Benefits Of Fiber Specific To Patients With Ckd
While fiber is beneficial to everyone, studies are showing that it is crucial for individuals with CKD. What stands out to me most about this is its simplicity. We can leverage the power of fiber through food or even supplements to enhance health! Here are just a handful of ways fiber can improve the health of kidney patients.
1. Decreased inflammation and mortality
In 2012, Krishnamurthy et al. looked at the data from the NHANES III survey to identify the association between fiber intake, inflammation, and all-cause mortality in individuals with CKD compared to those without CKD.
They found that higher fiber intake was associated with decreased incidence of inflammation in those with and without CKD. However, individuals with CKD who had a higher fiber intake showed lower overall mortality than the non-CKD subset.
Fiber intake is directly associated with cardiovascular disease- the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD. And it’s not just the traditional risk factors like hypertension or dyslipidemia that increase CV events. CV disease risk is also linked to the gut!
Remember the uremic toxin P-cresyl sulphate and the toxic metabolite Trimethylamine N-oxide ? TMAO and PCS are both correlated with worse cardiovascular outcomes and are associated with a lower fiber diet. ,
Using dietary fiber or fiber supplements is an important way to decrease cardiovascular disease!
3. Better blood sugar management
4. Increased bowel transit time
Does Benefiber Help Lower Cholesterol
4.4/5reduce LDL cholesterolBenefiberdodohelplower LDL cholesterol
In addition to treating constipation, Metamucil may also help lower your cholesterol levels, and may improve your blood sugar control if you have type 2 diabetes. Benefiber, on the other hand, is not approved for these uses. Fiber can also your appetite by making you feel fuller for a longer time.
One may also ask, what is the best natural cholesterol lowering supplement? Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements: What Works, What Doesnt
- Artichoke leaf extract.
Thereof, does Metamucil help lower cholesterol?
Yes. But before we go any further, its important to understand what Metamucil is. Metamucil contains powdered psyllium husks, a rich source of soluble fiber. Studies have shown that psyllium can lower both total and LDLcholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Does insoluble fiber help lower cholesterol?
Types of FiberHowever, it appears to only lower your badcholesterol your goodcholesterol and triglycerides are only minimally affected by soluble fiber. 3? Additionally, insoluble fiber does not appear to affect cholesterol levels, but it is important in maintaining a healthy colon.
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Ask The Dietitian: What To Do About High Potassium Level
Q. My potassium level is mildly elevated. Can you please tell me what foods to avoid and what else I should be doing? J.B., Grand Rapids
A. Do you know why your potassium numbers are up? Potassium levels can change for a few reasons. It could be a medication problem . Ask your physician or your pharmacist if you are taking a medication that saves potassium it may need to be changed. Do you know if you have a kidney problem? Kidneys help regulate potassium levels in the body. If your problem is kidney-related, then your food choices matter.
Check the label of any salt substitute they often contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride. Salt-free bouillon also can contain potassium chloride. You will need to avoid these.
You may get good results just by avoiding high-potassium fruits and vegetables. The ones with the highest potassium content are oranges and orange juice, melons, apricots, bananas, kiwi, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach and cooked beans .
Lower-potassium fruits and vegetables include apples and apple juice, cranberry juice, canned fruit, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, plums, pineapple, cabbage and cauliflower.
Most foods fall somewhere in the middle.
You may need more specifics than Im giving you, depending on the results of your future blood tests. If thats the case, ask your physician for a referral to a registered dietitian, who can help you sort out the best foods for you.
What Are Some Guidelines To Increasing Dietary Fiber
This guide provides basic information to help you increase fiber in your diet. Fiber is an important dietary substance to your health. Most fiber-containing foods are also good sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which offer many health benefits. A registered dietitian can provide in-depth nutrition education to help you develop a personal action plan.
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Which Is Better For Ibs Benefiber Or Metamucil
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, and its milder form affects nearly 40% of people, and worldwide, IBS impacts 10-15% of the international population.
The tricky aspect of having IBS is that each individual is different. Some people may respond better to one fiber supplement or dietary change than others.
IBS is a long-term disorder involving gastrointestinal disturbances in the intestines and bowel functions, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Other changes in bowel habits
According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders , fiber supplements derived from psyllium aid in specific IBS symptoms like diarrhea, incomplete evacuation, upper and lower abdominal pain, and constipation. Metamucils dietary fiber is extracted from psyllium and can help with these symptoms.
IFFGD does not list wheat dextrin in its chart as one of the fiber supplements that target IBS symptoms. Wheat dextrin is the fiber that Benefiber utilizes in its formula. In fact, other than online forums for IBS sufferers, there is not a lot of evidence to support wheat dextrins effectiveness in treating IBS symptoms.
Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber + Probiotics Gummies
What is Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber + Probiotics Gummies?
Its the first product from Benefiber to include both prebiotic fiber and probiotics. Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber + Probiotics Gummies help support digestive health by nourishing your existing good bacteria with prebiotic fiber, as well as adding probiotics to your gut.* Benefiber + Probiotics Gummies contain inulina plant-based prebiotic fiber that helps optimize gut health.* Benefiber + Probiotics Gummies come in a delightful assortment of fruit flavors.
How does Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber + Probiotics Gummies help optimize gut health?
Benefiber + Probiotics Gummies nourish your existing healthy gut bacteria with prebiotic fiber, while also adding more probioticshealthy bacteriato help your gut to promote a robust environment for good digestive health.*
What are the ingredients in Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber + Probiotics Gummies?
The main fiber ingredient in Benefiber + Probiotics Gummies is inulin. Its a prebiotic fiber thats found in various vegetables such as chicory, onions, soybeans, and wheat. Each gummy also contains additional ingredients such as citric acid, pectin, sodium nitrate, corn starch, and coconut oil. You can learn more about Benefiber + Probiotics Gummies on the product package.
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Faqs About Fiber And Benefiber Fiber Supplements
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that American adults get a daily fiber intake of 21 38 grams from plant foods, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. 1 However, most Americans get only half this amount! Adding Benefiber to a healthy diet can help you make sure you get adequate fiber and promotes good digestive health.*.
Do All Fiber Supplements Lower Cholesterol Levels
Fiber is an important part of any healthy diet. Although fiber is mostly known for improving digestive health, studies have also shown that certain types of fiber can also help lower your cholesterol levels. This can include common brand name fiber supplements like Metamucil and Citrucel.
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Consuming Good Carbs Means More Daily Fiber
Unfortunately, most of us are consuming fewer than 20 grams of fiber per day. I know many people who shy away from the carbs in whole grains, beans, and fruit, thus missing out on all that healthy fiber. But heres the deal: theres good carbs and bad carbs, and whole grains, beans, and vegetables are all good, folks. Its the quality of the carb that counts. Worried about gassy effects? In the short term, start low and use simethicone as needed. Your body will become accustomed over time, and the effects will diminish.
Can I Use Expired Psyllium Husk
The US government places unscientific legal requirements for short expiration dates of products. Based on my years of use, Frontier psyllium husk powder should continue to be fresh for use for over 10 years if sealed in the original bag, & for over 2 years after opening if sealed in an airtight container.
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Active Ingredients In Benefiber Powder
The active ingredient in Benefiber Powder is wheat dextrin, a natural soluble fiber that supports the bodys ability to remove wastes. Wheat dextrin absorbs water and becomes gelatinous. It then binds with cholesterol and carries it out of the body. Benefiber also contains 20ppm of gluten, which by FDA standards makes it gluten-free.
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Difference Between Fructose Glucose Lactose Maltose And Sucrose
apnea treatment appears to improve blood sugar Benefiber Blood Sugar levels, while long term CPAP treatment improves blood sugar and insulin resistance.
It s also important to take steps to control your diabetes, blood Benefiber Blood Sugar pressure, and cholesterol.
The Normal Blood Sugar Levels supplement is marketed What Is A Normal Blood Sugar Level as an all in one weight reduction tool, rather than just a blood glucose maintenance supplement.
Hyperglycemia increases Benefiber Blood Sugar Blood Sugar Level oxidative stress through the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which results in an imbalance between free radicals and the antioxidant defense system of the cells.
It can also lower your immune system, contributing to worsened symptoms Benefiber Blood Sugar if you have diabetes.
These include age, pre existing conditions, current medications, and current blood glucose value.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes.
Keep a What Is Normal Blood Sugar Level fast acting carbohydrate in your bag, desk drawer, car and other places for easy access.
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Possible Interventions For Constipation In Ckd
Constipation in CKD is challenging to treat successfully due to its multifactorial nature. Therefore, every possible approach to ameliorate constipation needs to be considered. The expected goals of the following interventions may include: regular bowel movement, improvement of stool continence and incomplete evacuation, amelioration of gut microbiota composition, and decreased synthesis of harmful uremic toxins.
Probiotics Prebiotics And Synbiotics
Since gut dysbiosis is suggested to be associated with constipation, agents favorably affecting the growth or activity of beneficial microbiota may be a promising option for the treatment of constipation. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits on the host. Prebiotics are indigestible food ingredients that include dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and resistant starches. Synbiotics refer to a combination of probiotics and prebiotics. A meta-analysis by Dimidi et al. revealed that probiotics reduced the whole-gut transit time in non-CKD patients by 12 hours and increased stool frequency by 1.3 times/week . Similarly, prebiotics and synbiotics improved stool frequency and consistency . On the other hand, limited information is currently available on their effects on bowel habits in CKD patients. Nakabayashi et al. reported that a synbiotic treatment for 2 weeks significantly increased stool quantities in HD patients . Furthermore, hard stools appeared to soften. In nondialysis-CKD patients, fiber supplementation significantly increased stool frequency from 1.4 ± 0.2 to 1.9 ± 0.3 times/day . In both studies, bowel habits were estimated as a secondary outcome. Further studies are required to examine the effects of these agents on stool frequency, stool consistency, and intestinal motility in CKD patients.
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Where To Buy Benefiber
Are you looking for Benefiber reviews? Head on to Benefiber Walmart. Here you will be able to peruse through various products from Benefiber and read each review.
A variety of Benefiber products are available in Walmart retail locations, including Benefiber Healthy Shape.
Also, there are various other online sources such as Amazon and the Benefiber website that sell Benefiber products.
Whats The Difference Between Benefiber And Benefiber Healthy Shape
However, some people did say that there was no difference between the healthy shape and the regular benefiber. I checked out both and the only difference I see is that the regular benefiber is only 3g of fiber with recommendations of 3 times a day, while the healthy shape is 5g of fiber and use twice a day.
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Does Benefiber Powder Interact With Other Medications
According to Drugs.com, at least 36 drugs have been found to interact with wheat dextrin.
Some of those 36 drugs are the following:
Acetaminophen, Albuterol, Aspirin, Colace, Fish oil, Lasix, Levothyroxine, Lisinopril, MiraLax, Omeprazole, Simvastatin, Synthroid, Tramadol, Tylenol, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and Vitamin D3
*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Potential Factors Inducing Constipation In Ckd
A vast number of factors are vital for normal intestinal motility, such as the nervous system , immune system, endocrine system, bile acid metabolism, mucus secretion, gut microbiota, and products of intestinal fermentation . Disturbances in any of these systems may contribute to the symptoms of constipation. In the setting of CKD, the pathogenesis of constipation is more complex and multifactorial. Discussions on the potential pathogenic link between CKD-related gut dysbiosis and constipation/intestinal dysmotility are of importance.
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How To Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease
- Restrict or limit salt and fat intake
- Exercise for atleast 30 minutes
- Get regular health check-ups
- Avoid the use of tobacco
- Say no to alcohol
References :
Does Fiber Help You Lose Belly Fat
Eating more soluble fiber can also help you lose belly fat and prevent belly fat gain. One study linked a 10-gram increase in daily soluble fiber intake to a 3.7% lower risk of gaining belly fat . Several other studies also show that people who eat more soluble fiber have a lower risk of belly fat .2 Apr 2017
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What Are The Types Of Fiber
Dietary fiber is a good carbohydrate, also known as roughage, found in plant foods . There are two kinds, soluble or insoluble, and both are really good for us. Soluble fiber becomes a thick gel in our intestines, which slows digestion and traps fats so they cant all be absorbed . Sources of soluble fiber include oatmeal, beans, lentils, and many fruits. Insoluble fiber helps keep our stools soft and regular, always a good thing! Sources of insoluble fiber include whole grains, beans, lentils, and most vegetables. Both soluble and insoluble fiber make us feel full, which helps us to eat less.
Drugs / Medications To Avoid Or Reducefor People With Chronic Kidney Disease:
People with CKD very often suffer from other illnesses or diseases. Unfortunately, many of the medications prescribed to control these conditions can make them even sicker than they already are.
Heartburn Medications or PPIs
Heartburn and stomach acid medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors can cause CKD and can damage your kidneys further, once you have it. These drugs are sold under brand names Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, and Protonix and are taken for stomach ulcers, heartburn, or acid reflux disease . If you have been told you have Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney Injury, or Kidney Damage, your doctor may advise you to stop using PPIs altogether.
Diabetes Medications
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of CKD. Because of this, many patients begin taking diabetes medications long before they are diagnosed with CKD. This is a difficult problem, because insulin and certain other drugs used by diabetics have to be filtered by the kidneys in order to work properly. If your kidneys have been damaged by CKD, your diabetes drugs may not do their job. Dangerous levels of the drugs can also build up in your system, because your kidneys can no longer filter your blood as well as they should.
Cholesterol Medications
Pain Medications
Antacids
Oral Blood Thinners
Epilepsy Drugs
Topamax is a drug often used to treat epilepsy , painful headaches , and bipolar disease . Topamax may increase your risk of kidney stones .
Laxatives for Colonoscopy
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Other Factors That Influence Gut Microbiota
Diet and uremia aren’t the only causes of dysbiosis. We’re all familiar with the unfortunate effects that medications like phosphorus binders , antibiotics, and even oral iron can have on the gut.
Not only can they be a cause of GI side effects, but they can also wreak havoc on the gut’s beneficial bacteria. While these are just a few examples, plenty of other medications may also alter normal gut bacteria.