Benefiber is a brand of bulk-forming laxative. It is available in powder beverage additives, flavored packages of powder that can be added to water, chewable tablets and swallowable caplets. Benefiber is made from natural soluble fiber wheat dextrin, a flavorless fiber that dissolves completely in liquid without thickening. Fiber laxatives are generally considered safe, but you may experience side effects when using Benefiber and other brands of fiber laxative.
How Bulk-Forming Laxatives Work
Bulk-forming laxatives increase the amount of water in your colon in order to form larger, softer stools. Larger stools are more likely to cause your bowel muscles to contract, which helps move the soft, bulky stools along the colon and relieve your constipation. There are many different brands of bulk-forming laxative, many of which use different types of fiber. One type, such as Benefiber, may work better for your body. Bulk-forming laxatives are generally considered safe.
Side Effects of Benefiber
While bulk-forming laxatives are the safest laxative, you should introduce them to your regimen slowly to minimize uncomfortable side effects. Take a few days to ease into this new routine, being sure to follow the instructions on your package of Benefiber and to drink plenty of water each day. Gradually increasing the amount of benefiber you consume over a period of three to five days should help your body to adjust. Even with a gradual introduction, some people experience unpleasant side effects with bulk-forming laxatives like Benefiber. You may experience gas, bloating and even cramping, but these symptoms should go away within a few weeks. If you experience nausea, vomiting, bleeding from your rectum or extreme stomach pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Other Remedies for Constipation
Constipation can have many causes. You may become constipated because there is not adequate fiber in your diet, because you are not taking in enough liquid, because you are not getting sufficient physical activity or because you are taking specific prescription medication that can slow down your bowel activity. The National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse suggests that you examine your daily fiber intake -- most people should get 20 to 35 g of fiber per day. If your dietary fiber intake falls short of these guidelines, you should find ways to increase fiber in your diet. High-fiber foods like beans, fortified grains and cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables can help. You should also increase your water intake and get more physical activity.
Laxative Warnings
While bulk-forming laxatives like Benefiber may come with side effects like gas and abdominal cramping, they are generally considered safe. However, you should exercise caution when opting for other types of laxative. According to MayoClinic.com, your first line of defense against constipation should be lifestyle changes. If that doesn't work, a visit to your doctor may be in order. Stimulant and rectal laxatives can disrupt your body's absorption of critical nutrients, and in some extreme situations can become addictive as your colon "forgets" how to work on its own. Talking with your physician before beginning a treatment regimen is always a good idea.
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