Soluble Fiber Supplements for IBS - Use 'Em But Don't Abuse 'Em A soluble fiber supplement should be extremely helpful for managing IBS symptoms - IF it's used properly. Soluble fiber is a key to preventing the abdominal spasms and bowel dysfunction of IBS Authentic Dodgers Hats , and this is just as true for supplements as it is for soluble fiber foods. Soluble fiber works by absorbing liquids in the digestive tract to form a stabilizing gel that relieves cramping and prevents both diarrhea and constipation. Clinical studies with IBS patients have repeatedly proven the benefits of soluble fiber supplements. However - in order for soluble fiber supplements to work, you have to take a high enough dose, and many people don't. It's particularly easy to take too little of a supplement that's in tablet form, as most soluble fiber pills and capsules have only 12 gram of fiber. In comparison, most powder supplements contain 2-4 grams of soluble fiber per dose. Ideally, you'll gradually work up to a soluble fiber supplement dosage of 12-15 grams per day (and possibly up to 30 grams per day, particularly for constipation, though you may also stabilize at a lower dose. Remember that different people have varying tolerances and adjustment periods to soluble fiber supplements; this means that it can take from several days to two weeks or longer for your body to adjust to the increased fiber intake. Your symptoms should NOT dramatically worsen during this introductory period, and you may well see immediate improvement, but if you don't notice any difference the first day or two have patience. Soluble fiber may be the single greatest aid for controlling IBS symptoms you'll ever find, so give it a fair chance. Best of all, soluble fiber supplements can be taken daily forever with no harmful side effects or risk of addiction. In fact, they have health benefits far beyond managing IBS, as soluble fiber has been shown to lower LDL ("bad") blood cholesterol levels Authentic Dodgers T-Shirts , reduce the risk of heart disease, and minimize colon cancer risks. Soluble fiber also slows the absorption of fats and carbohydrates into the bloodstream, which improves glycemic control and helps prevent the formation of free radicals. It also lowers insulin requirements. The most common soluble fiber supplements are: Acacia Tummy Fiber, Equalactin, FiberChoice, Benefiber, Metamucil, Konsyl, Fybogel, Citrucel, and Fibercon. Most are widely available at drug stores and pharmacies, and they don't require a prescription (they are not drugs, just a dietary supplement). Acacia is gum arabic, Metamucil and Fybogel contain psyllium Customized Dodgers Jerseys , Citrucel contains methylcellulose, Equalactin and Fibercon contains calcium polycarbophil, Benefiber contains guar gum, and FiberChoice contains inulin. Acacia Tummy Fiber and Benefiber are pure soluble fiber - the other brands contain fillers, binders, sweeteners, citric acid, or other added ingredients. Acacia Tummy Fiber is the only organic and prebiotic soluble fiber supplement on the market