Irritable bowel syndrome is a somewhat common digestive disorder that can cause intense discomfort. One way of treating irritable bowel syndrome is to increase your fiber intake, but some fiber supplements can cause side effects that lead to more discomfort. Citrucel is a fiber supplement designed to minimize these side effects, so it is unlikely to aggravate irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor before taking Citrucel or any other supplement.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a problem that may be the result of you having a colon that is unusually sensitive to certain foods and substances. Doctors do not know what causes irritable bowel syndrome, but if you have irritable bowel, some foods will affect the rate at which different foods move through your digestive tract. This can cause intense cramping, abdominal pain, gas and constipation. Some people, however, have diarrhea as a result of food traveling too quickly through your digestive tract.
Fiber and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If you have constipation as a result of irritable bowel syndrome, taking fiber supplements such as Citrucel may help you have regular bowel movements. Fiber is not absorbed by your digestive tract, so it passes through your intestines and adds bulk to your stool. Some kinds of fiber, known as soluble fiber, absorbs water, so it can also help soften your stool. Citrucel can be taken for the treatment of occasional constipation due to irritable bowel syndrome or other causes, says Drugs.com. Its ability to absorb water may also help with loose, watery stools.
Unique Features of Citrucel
One of the problems of taking fiber supplements for irritable bowel syndrome is that soluble fiber is often broken down by bacteria in the intestines. This causes gas to be produced, which can lead to bloating and abdominal pain, in essence increasing some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Citrucel is designed to not be broken down by bacteria, so it will not produce as much gas and is less likely to aggravate irritable bowel syndrome, according to the product website.
Considerations
Although Citrucel is safe for most people to take, it is important to take this product with adequate amounts of water. Otherwise, it can become lodged in your digestive tract and cause constipation or choking. If you do not experience an improvement in your symptoms after a week of taking Citrucel, stop using the product and talk to your doctor. You should speak to your doctor before taking any sort of fiber supplement.
