Is there a downside to using Metamucil?
Downsides
Common side effects include abdominal cramps, bloating, and changes in stool consistency. May aggravate hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated.
- Nausea or vomiting. Nausea is a common side effect reported for many medications. ...
- Gas. Feeling gassy can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. ...
- Abdominal cramping and bloating. Abdominal cramping and bloating are also common Metamucil side effects. ...
- Diarrhea. ...
- Bowel obstruction.
A: Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil fiber as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 8 ounces of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil between one and three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.
Psyllium usually produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Do not take psyllium for longer than 7 days in a row without a doctor's advice. Using a laxative too often or for too long may cause severe medical problems with your intestines.
Taking too much Metamucil can cause Metamucil overdose symptoms which can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or other symptoms of an overly high fiber diet. In addition, some Metamucil products contain potassium, which should not be taken in high doses. Keep the product out of the reach of children.
Please take Metamucil with at least 240 mL of liquid, as indicated. For Metamucil Fibre Capsules and Capsules Plus Calcium, we recommend taking them 3 times daily with at least 240 mL of liquid, as indicated.
It traps sugar in the digestive system.
Metamucil, through its gelling action, also helps slow sugar absorption from the digestive tract. Without a gel forming fiber, sugars are free to rapidly be absorbed into the bloodstream and raising blood sugar levels.
This medication is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
The bottom line. Increasing your intake of fiber using a soluble fiber supplement like Metamucil may help reduce hunger and appetite to promote weight loss. However, it can also interfere with certain medications and may cause digestive issues for some people, including bloating, belching, and gas.
Fiber in the form of pectin (from fruit) and oat bran reportedly reduces the body's ability to absorb cholesterol-lowering medications known as "statins," including lovastatin (Mevacor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor), and could lead to decreased effectiveness of these medications.
How do you completely empty your bowels?
- Sit on the toilet properly: ...
- Brace – allow your stomach muscles to push forwards. ...
- With each urge to empty your bowels, repeat the brace.
- Keep your mouth slightly open and breathe out. ...
- As you finish, pull up your anorectal muscles (the muscles that control your bottom).
Fiber is another nutrient you'll want to take apart from other supplements and medications, because it interferes with absorption. I recommend doing so before bed if you aren't taking anything else at that time.

Metamucil is a fiber supplement; this brand name is also an over-the-counter laxative to treat constipation. In comparison, probiotics are live helpful bacteria and yeasts that are good for the gut.
For individuals with constipation-predominant IBS, a soluble fiber supplement (Metamucil or others containing psyllium) can be helpful.
Metamucil traps and removes the waste that weighs you down, so you start to feel lighter in two weeks*.
The psyllium fiber in Metamucil helps lower cholesterol to promote heart health† by trapping some cholesterol in the digestive system to be removed with waste.
Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Many cereals, such as bran flakes, are good sources of fiber.
Like their other products, Metamucil's gummies contain natural orange flavor and citric acid. We don't recommend Metamucil Fiber Gummies due to the additive ingredients, but we do consider this product to be healthier than Metamucil Sugar-Free Fiber Powder which we reviewed above.
Metamucil is made with psyllium husk, a plant-based fiber that helps promote digestive health and regularity. * It also acts as a non-stimulant laxative that relieves occasional constipation, generally helping you produce a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.
Side effects. Benefiber and Metamucil can cause similar side effects, such as stomach cramping and gas. These effects may be more likely when you first start taking the supplement.
Is Metamucil good for gas?
For new users, start by taking a small amount of Metamucil and then gradually increase to the recommended dosage to allow your system to adjust and to minimize gas and bloating. If you have tried this and you still experience bloating, talk to your doctor. Metamucil (psyllium) is a bulk-forming fiber laxative.
The powder or granules should be mixed into a full glass (8 ounces) of water or fruit juice before swallowing. Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. It is best if you take your doses just after a meal. Never take a dose at bedtime.
If you don't get enough roughage in your diet, or if you're constipated or have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may be taking a bulking agent like Metamucil, Citrucel, or Fiber-Con to make your stools larger and softer.
A: Metamucil powder formulations deliver approximately 2.4 g of soluble fiber per serving. Metamucil capsules deliver 1.8 grams of soluble fiber and Metamucil capsules plus calcium deliver 2.1 grams of soluble fiber per serving.
Metamucil Powder with Real Sugar and Sugar-Free Dosage Tips
Psyllium husk is a soluble viscous fibre that forms a viscous gel, which traps sugars as the gel moves through the intestines. Trapped sugars are slowly released and absorbed into the body helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Fiber supplements were associated with average A1c reductions of 0.58 percent, which is greater than the minimum 0.3 percent reduction the U.S. Food and Drug Administration looks for in evaluating new diabetes drugs, the study authors note.
It's normal and healthy to have a bowel movement anywhere between three times a week to three times a day. If you're producing soft, well-formed logs that aren't hard to push out, your bowels are probably in good shape.
Yes, Metamucil can cause you to have a jelly like stool. Metamucil (psyllium) Psyllium is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. It works by absorbing liquid in the intestines and swelling to create a softer, bulky stool that is easier to pass.
There is no “normal” number of bowel movements. Many healthcare providers agree that healthy bowel movement frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week.
Does Metamucil give you energy?
One serving of Metamucil has 2.4 grams of this soluble fiber. One serving of Metamucil capsules has at least 1.8 grams of this soluble fiber. Survey of 291 adults who self-reported that they felt lighter and more energetic after completing the Metamucil Two Week Challenge.
...
Fruits
- Avocados. ...
- Apple. ...
- Strawberries. ...
- Banana. ...
- Raspberries.
- Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
- Think eating plan, not diet. ...
- Keep moving. ...
- Lift weights. ...
- Become a label reader. ...
- Move away from processed foods. ...
- Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
- Hang out with health-focused friends.
There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.
No interactions were found between Metamucil and multivitamin.
The Best Time to Take Fiber
It is often recommended to take a fiber supplement up to twice per day, before a meal, and with a glass of water. This would ensure you're keeping your digestive system balanced throughout the day.
Benefits. Soluble fiber keeps your colon clean and working properly, and the Mayo Clinic advises that it has other health benefits. Metamucil and other soluble fiber sources can help lower bad cholesterol levels in your blood and keep your blood glucose stable.
Risks and Warnings for Metamucil (psyllium)
In rare cases, Metamucil (psyllium) can block your small or large intestine. Stop taking Metamucil (psyllium) and tell your doctor right away if you have nausea, vomiting, pain or bloating that doesn't go away, rectal bleeding, or constipation that lasts more than 7 days.
No interactions were found between lisinopril and Metamucil.
Metamucil Powder with Real Sugar and Sugar-Free Dosage Tips
What is better than Metamucil?
Benefiber and Metamucil are not the only name brand supplements to relieve constipation on the market, and some people may find they like other brands better. Two popular alternatives are Citrucel and Miralax.
Yes, Metamucil can cause you to have a jelly like stool. Metamucil (psyllium) Psyllium is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. It works by absorbing liquid in the intestines and swelling to create a softer, bulky stool that is easier to pass.
Studies suggest that taking Metamucil may help reduce hunger, enhance feelings of fullness, and increase weight loss. Still, Metamucil and similar fiber supplements should not be used as a weight loss product.
This medication is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
For individuals with constipation-predominant IBS, a soluble fiber supplement (Metamucil or others containing psyllium) can be helpful.
What is Metamucil? Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber supplement with laxative properties. It used to treat occasional constipation or bowel irregularity. Metamucil may also help lower cholesterol when used together with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat.
Fiber supplements can decrease the absorption of certain medications, such as aspirin, carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, others) and others. Fiber supplements can also reduce blood sugar levels, which may require an adjustment in your medications or insulin if you have diabetes.
No interactions were found between Metamucil and multivitamin.
Any time of day is a great day to take Metamucil's psyllium husk, so long as you drink plenty of water with it (at least 8 oz). Start with one serving per day, then gradually increase your daily servings each week to reach your health goals.
The powder or granules should be mixed into a full glass (8 ounces) of water or fruit juice before swallowing. Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. It is best if you take your doses just after a meal. Never take a dose at bedtime.
How many tablespoons of Metamucil should I take?
Adults 12 years and older: 1 rounded TABLESPOON in 8 oz of liquid at the first sign of irregularity. Can be taken up to 3 times daily. Generally produces effect in 12 to 72 hours. Put one dose into an empty glass.
If you don't get enough roughage in your diet, or if you're constipated or have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may be taking a bulking agent like Metamucil, Citrucel, or Fiber-Con to make your stools larger and softer.