Benefiber Alternative

Benefiber fiber supplement products may lower your cholesterol, support digestive health and regulate blood sugar levels. Some alternatives to Benefiber may be appropriate for you depending on your individual needs. A nutritionist can work with you to increase the fiber in your diet, and you should talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement to make sure it is safe.

Psyllium

Benefiber supplements contain a kind of soluble fiber called wheat dextrin, and an alternative source of soluble fiber is psyllium. Psyllium fiber is isolated from psyllium husk, or an herb called Plantago ovata, and it is a common functional fiber in supplements. Like Benefiber, psyllium supplements may lower your cholesterol and have a laxative effect. Always drink plenty of water when you take soluble fiber supplements because they can swell in your throat and cause choking.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is an alternative to Benefiber because it may lower your cholesterol levels. In addition to fiber, the cholesterol-lowering nutrients in flaxseed are lignans, which are another kind of plant nutrient, and an essential omega-3 fatty acid called linolenic acid. Flaxseed oil is higher than ground flaxseed in alpha-linolenic acid, but it does not contain dietary fiber. Ground flaxseed is also a good alternative to Benefiber because it has a laxative effect and can prevent or relieve constipation.

Insoluble Fiber

Insoluble fiber can be a good alternative to the soluble fiber from Benefiber because it may have fewer side effects. Benefiber can cause gas and bloating because bacteria in your gut are able to ferment soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber may also lower your cholesterol and have a laxative effect while causing less bloating and a lower risk for choking. Good sources include wheat bran, fruits, vegetables and corn bran, advises the University of Maryland.

Fruit

Fruit is a natural alternative to Benefiber because most fruits are high in dietary fiber, with at least 3 g per serving in a banana, pear or 1/2 cup of berries. Some fruits, such as berries and apples, are particularly high in soluble fiber. If you are overweight, you may be able to lower your cholesterol levels by losing a few pounds, and fruit can be good for weight loss because it is low in calories but filling because of its fiber and water content.