Fiber helps to promote regularity and keep your digestive system functioning properly. Although it is better to get your fiber from food, you can also take fiber supplements to help meet your fiber requirements. These supplements often contain soluble fiber, such as psyllium husk, which can have a laxative effect. Fiber supplements can interact with some types of medications, if you don't time taking them properly.
Medication Interactions
Because fiber supplements can speed up the passage of food through your digestive system they can interact with certain medications, decreasing the amount that gets absorbed by your body. Speak with your doctor before taking fiber supplements to make sure they won't affect your medications, as you may need to change your medication dosages or timing.
Medications Involved
Fiber can lower your blood sugar, so if you are diabetic the dosage of your diabetes medications may need to be changed if you start taking fiber supplements. Other medications that may be affected by fiber supplements include lithium, antidepressants, cholesterol medications, digoxin, carbamazepine, blood thinners and aspirin. Oral medications are most likely to be affected by fiber supplements.
Minimizing Interaction
You can minimize most potential drug interactions by consuming your fiber supplements and your medications at different times. Take bulking fiber supplements at least two hours before or after you take your medications, recommends Drugs.com. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood levels of medications to make sure she doesn't have to adjust your dosage due to your increased fiber intake.
Considerations
Always speak with your doctor before taking fiber supplements, as these are not safe for everyone and can cause side effects, including bloating and gas. Serious side effects include allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, vomiting and chest pain. Taking your fiber supplements with a full glass of water and drinking six to eight glasses of water per day can help limit your risk for side effects when taking fiber supplements.
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