4 Comments

• #1 by Noname on August 22, 2010 - 4:18 pm

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  Metamucil is a great way to get added fiber. The orange sugar-free smooth texture version is less gritty than the original texture. The orange flavor is pleasant and goes down easily. I take it regularly myself to keep regular and it works just as it should. And it has the added benefit of being good for my cholesterol.

  Note: Different Metamucil powder formulations have different instructions for mixing. Some doses are measured by teaspoons and some are tablespoons. This particular formulation is rounded teaspoon. Check the label carefully.

  A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER

  * A good rule of thumb is not to take fiber at the same time as other medicines as they may bind to the fiber and not get absorbed. Take your other medicines at least 2 hours apart from the Metamucil.

  * Mix with a nice tall glass of water. You might want to drink some extra water afterwards to wash it down. If you fail to heed the water warning, you risk choking or getting completely plugged up — the exact opposite of what you are trying to accomplished.

  * Don’t expect immediate relief. Use it every day for a few days.

  * The gas problem will eventually go away. Start low and increase fiber intake slowly to help with this problem.

  * Wash your glass out immediately or else it will stick to your glass and be difficult to remove.

  * Fill the glass with water and then add the Metamucil. If you do it the other way around, you may have a big clump on the bottom of your glass that doesn’t dissolve.

  WHO SHOULDN’T TAKE METAMUCIL?

  * Anyone who cannot drink the required amount of water.

  * Anyone who has trouble swallowing.

  * Anyone who has a bowel obstruction.

  It may seem strange at first since Metamucil is labeled a laxative, but it can also be used for chronic diarrhea. It works by absorbing water and thereby adding bulk to the stool. Bulky stools move faster down the intestines. Because Metamucil absorbs water, it does not cause diarrhea but rather can help it.

  As always, if the change in bowel movement is recent and doesn’t improve, a physician should be contacted.
  Rating: 5 / 5

• #2 by Matthew G. Sherwin on August 22, 2010 - 5:02 pm

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  Metamucil Smooth Texture Sugar Free Powder does an excellent job of keeping people “regular.” The powder comes in a strong canister and as long as you use this before the expiration date you’ll get the intended effect of this over the counter laxative.

  It’s very easy to use Metamucil. Just take one teaspoonful and add that into a beverage by stirring it into a drink of 8 ounces or maybe slightly more. You can do this up to three times a day. It always works well for me; I usually take it with water but I know people who take this with orange juice and other beverages.

  The makers of Metamucil mention that fiber can help your heart over the long run–and they are right. This is another huge benefit of using Metamucil. I also really like that this product is sugar free.

  Of course, I would keep this out of the reach of pets and children. You DON’T want them ingesting this. There’s also one thing more–they say that Metamucil has a smooth texture; but sometimes I notice that it can “clump” in the beverage I want to drink it with. I would be careful to stir in the Metamucil very carefully to avoid “clumping.”

  Overall, this product does a great job of doing what you want it to do. It’s handy to keep some around the house if you are occasionally constipated.
  
  Rating: 5 / 5

• #3 by Dr. Nick on August 22, 2010 - 6:49 pm

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  Product arrived on time as advertised. Rating it 4 based on the fact that the sugar-free variety is (slightly) more expensive than sugar-containing version, and texture is a bit less smooth in my opinion (doesn’t dissolve quite as easily when mixed with water). Also odd that buying individual packages was less expensive than buying the two pack. Seems like a bit of wasteful packaging.
  Rating: 4 / 5

• #4 by A. Downes on August 22, 2010 - 9:05 pm

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  I am using the CVS brand comparable product of orange flavor sugar free fiber supplement/laxative and it has helped me tremendously with my loose bowel movements. I have increased my fiber intake and I am also drinking lactose free 2% Valio milk (tastes great)or almond milk (Silk brand tastes better than long shelf life Almond Dream). Drinking milk and eating ice cream seemed to be upsetting my digestive system. Cheese doesn’t seem to bother me. What I have found using the Metamucil comparable product is that I feel less agitated and even though I still have frequency of bowel movements in the morning, they are more solid, and as a result, my digestive system seems calm and I feel more energized. Also I have little or no bloating. I wish that I could say that I’ve lost weight, but I haven’t yet – that will obviously take more work and additional diet modifications and exercise due to my perimenopausal condition. My goal is to get at least 25 grams of fiber a day. Metamucil does not seem to worsen loose bowel movements even though it is a laxative – it really seems to help with forming solid stools that are easy to pass. I drink Metamucil at bedtime and once or twice during the day along with other whole grain fibers or legumes and it seems to be a good start towards improving my overall feeling of wellbeing. I drink Lifeway plain and flavored kefir as a great tasting probiotic. (has 3 grams inulin fiber) I also eat toasted Mestemacher whole grain bread almost everyday and sometimes twice a day (also available on Amazon and has 6 grams of whole grain fiber wheat free per slice). Other than that, I have not changed my diet at all. I have also incorporated eating Metamucil wafers, but not as much recently. If you eat them too much, you may grow tired of the taste and need to take a break as I am doing. I recommend that you eat them along with a warm drink such as tea or coffee. (see my review of the wafers – can be subscription ordered from Amazon for significant savings)
  
  Back to this product – if you add a heaping teaspoon to a relatively shallow glass with a rounded bottom (a thick glass goblet), and then quickly stir it up and drink it, you should be able to get most of the powder dissolved with little effort. I then quickly rinse the glass. It is an easy and quick process and in no way do you feel that you could choke on the mixture. (one of my fears of psyllium husk fiber) Keep in mind, however, that you may experience some cramping and discomfort early on incorporating Metamucil and adding fiber to your diet – especially if your diet has been void of fiber. And take note – salad and many vegetables do not have as much fiber as you’d think. Start reading labels for fiber content. Cooked oatmeal is also a great addition.
  
  I hope that this helps those of you looking for a way to feel better and not have your urge to go (especially in the morning) and the anxiety it causes run your life. Feel Better!
  Rating: 5 / 5