Fiber Supplementation

[tcmarv62]

As I was told by GI doc to maintain a Low Fiber diet, (can you imagine that good advice from a doctor) and by also all what I've read on the Microscopic Colitis Foundation website. Other than some natural Fiber we get from certain foods we can tolerate, what are the recommended Fiber Supplements to take that are gut and bowel friendly? Soluble seems to be the more recommended type (Metamucil per say). Since I've been on Budesonide (3 weeks), my stools are morning regular (YEA!) and also much firmer, which causes me to push/strain at times to completely evacuate. While it is a tremendous and wonderful change from the constant D, it seems my anus muscles have become so used to the months of loose D, that now when a formed stool with mainly solid consistency comes out, it is slightly painful in that area for several hours after going the bathroom from being stretched.
I'm looking to supplement a good fiber that is also "safe" for the MC healing, to assist with the semi hard stools at times before I become constipated! (I previously took "BeneFiber" prior to MC diagnosis, but GI doc does not recommend that now.)
Powder, chewable, it doesn't matter...Thanks in Advance!

[tex]

OK, first off, if you feel that you are drifting into a constipation situation, that's a clear indication that you need to reduce the Budesonide dose. The first indications of constipation is what reminds any of us that it's time to lower the budesonide dose. It's far more logical (and easier to do) to prevent constipation from developing in the first place, than to try to treat it after it develops. Treating symptoms after they develop is what doctors do. Treating the root cause of a symptom, so that you prevent the symptom from ever developing in the first place, is what we do.

One of the listed side effects of budenonide is constipation, so if you're constipated, you're taking too much budesonide. It's as simple as that.

Only if you're no longer taking budesonide and you're still constipated, should you need to even consider taking a fiber supplement.

If that happens, then yes, a soluble fiber such as metamucil would be the correct choice. Eating some fruit would probably have the same effect. Constipation is also a symptom of a chronic magnesium deficiency, especially if you were constipated before you developed MC. Been there, done that.

You're very welcome.

Tex

[tcmarv62]

Only Week 3 of Budesonide, at 3 tabs a day and I already need to cut back? So, constipation is strictly a side effect and doesn't necessarily mean that I could be healing to a degree? I was not constipated at all (D everyday, multiple times for multiple months) prior to the MC diagnoses and Budesonide treatment being started. I was only taking Benefiber for a few weeks prior, when I was pre-diagnosed with BAM, and needed it for the hard stools that the Cholestrymine packets caused. I'm almost scared to cut back on the Budesonide if its working that well? I am Taking my Mag supplements and Topical Mag lotion daily too. Thanks once again Tex!

[tex]

Sure you're healing —if you're sticking to the GF diet. That's why you need to reduce the dose. If you stay on the full dose of budesonide, you'll learn how bad constipation can get. If you're not following a GF diet your symptoms may relapse a few days to a week or so after you reduce the dose. Budesonide does not help healing — it actually retards healing. It just makes life more pleasant by masking the symptoms while the GF diet heals the gut. Whether you're following the diet or not, it's counterproductive to take more budesonide than you need to mask the symptoms, because it will never heal your intestines.

Tex

[tcmarv62]

Yes following GF, but also don’t have most of alot of side affects as harsh as some seem to to Gluten, soy and eggs. Thanks Tex! I will taper down to 2 a day starting in less than a week, as that it when my my first month of full strength changes. Thanks Tex!

[Gabes-Apg]

but also don’t have most of alot of side affects as harsh as some seem to to Gluten, soy and eggs

for some of us, the reactions can be minor and 'in the background' type thing. you dont think you are reacting and keep having small amounts of gluten and then the body reaches a tipping point and you end up in Major Flare.

to alleviate constipation issues also increase water intake and oil intake (via fatty meat serves and/or things like coconut oil etc)

[quotaworthy]

Fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet, playing a crucial role in supporting digestive health and overall well-being. While a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes provides natural sources of fiber, some individuals may find it challenging to meet their daily fiber needs through diet alone. In such cases, fiber supplementation can be a valuable addition to promote digestive regularity and support various aspects of health.