What Are Good Fiber Supplements?

Dietary fiber is best known to relieve constipation. However, fiber provides other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of such conditions as diabetes and heart disease. There are two types of fibers. Dietary fiber found in foods such as fruits and vegetables, which is considered the best form of fiber, and cereal fibers from whole grains such as bran and oats, which are considered the second best source of fiber. Fiber is beneficial for weight control, digestive health, enhancing your immune system, building muscle, bone health and much more. Most people only get about half the daily recommended number of grams, making fiber supplements necessary.

Fiber Dosage

• Based on your dietary deficiencies, determine your fiber need. Divide the missing grams of fiber over three meals a day. The daily recommended dosage is 20 to 30 grams.

Forms of Fiber

• Fiber comes in capsules, oils, powders and supplements. When taking fiber supplements, you must have adequate water consumption.

Best Fiber Supplements

• The best and likely the most recognized fiber supplements are Metamucil, Citrucel, and Fiber Choice. Metamucil is made from psyllium husks, while Citrucel and Fiber Choice are made from vegetables. All are used as a dietary source of fiber, to help regulate the bowels and to lower cholesterol.

Safety

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no evidence that prolonged use of fiber supplements is harmful. However, the best sources of fiber remain fruits and vegetables.

Importance

• Fiber is necessary to prevent abdominal spasms and bowel dysfunction, for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of other conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.