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A Nutritionist Reveals The 'Best And Absolute Worst' Fiber Supplements For Women Over 40
1. Worst: Metamucil
Even though her doctor told her to "take it for years," Williams said she would definitely skip Metamucil. She did acknowledge, however, that its "first ingredient is Psyllium husk, which actually can be helpful with digestion." The nutritionist added, while making a circle with her hand: "they use it to help with constipation, but if you are someone who is constipated and this is the size of your colon and then you go and bulk it way bigger in behind, the stool is not going to fit through your colon."
She stressed that "this is going to lead to further constipation issues." Another ingredient found in the supplement is maltodextrin, which is used as a thickening agent." According to Williams, it is "really high on the glycemic index, so this skyrockets blood sugar levels and has no nutritional benefits."
Citric acid is also in the supplement "as a preservative and also to enhance the flavor." She noted that "orange flavor is a synthetic flavoring and artificial flavors do not provide any health benefit." In addition, the supplement has aspartame, an "artificial sweetener," and "yellow six, a synthetic dye," and artificial colorings have been "linked to a ton of different health issues."
Better Alternatives
1. CanPrev Fibre Feel Low Fodmap Powder System
This supplement is a "fantastic option for anybody who is looking to improve their gut health," Williams said, as it only has one ingredient, Organic Fibregum.
This is a pure, natural, and GMO-free dietary fiber sourced from acacia gum. Williams also said that this supplement gives you "five grams of plant-soluble fiber."
2. NFH Psyllium SAP Constipation Relief
Williams noted that this supplement will help the stool get a "gel-like consistency" and only has one ingredient, eight grams of psyllium (plantago ovata).
Furthermore, it is free from gluten, soy, wheat, corn, eggs, dairy, yeast, citrus, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, starch, and sugar.
3. Designs For Health RS Fibre
Williams said this is "another amazing option" with ingredients that are "digested in the large intestine where they are fermented into short-chain fatty acid." These then act as "fuel for the good bacteria that's already living inside of you, so this is like food for the healthy beneficial bacteria."
According to the brand, every scoop includes organic green banana flour and organic potato starch powder, and the supplement is non-GMO and flavorless.