High Fiber Diet

Fiber Supplements

There are a variety of fiber supplements available on the food or pharmacy shelves.

Psyllium

This soluble plant fiber has been used in India for over 2,000 years. It is a soluble fiber with mucilage in it. This acts to retain a lot of water and also is fermented by colon bacteria. When 7 grams a day are used, it does lower cholesterol. Metamucil in various forms is psyllium.

Methyl Cellulose

All the cellulose products come from finely ground wood chips which are then treated in a variety of ways such as boiling in acids. Methyl cellulose is an insoluble fiber which does dissolve in water. It is also an emulsifier, meaning it blends oils and water. Citrucel is methyl cellulose (MC). MC may not be appropriate for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis as several medical studies have shown that certain emulsifiers dissolve the mucous lining of the colon in animals prone to Crohn’s disease. This then allows bacteria to invade the underlying tissue.

Inulin

Inulin is a true soluble fiber prebiotic found in many foods. It is available as generic inulin and in Fiber Choice.

Prebiotin

This product is a combination of oligofructose, which feeds the bacteria in the right side of the colon and inulin, which does the same in the left side of the colon. There seems to be a benefit for this particular formula based on medical research.