Safe, Healthy Fiber Supplement

Updated on August 07, 2008
S.E. asks from Chicago, IL
17 answers

I'm trying to get more fiber in my diet to help flush excess estrogen out and wondered if anyone had added a fiber supplement of some sort that they've liked. It seems really tough to get the 30+ grams/day recommended for women a day when an apple for instance only has about 2-3 grams! I'm a little concerned about a supplement being too much since I don't need this for "regularity" issues. Any ideas how to boost fiber safely with diet or supplements?

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So What Happened?

Just wanted to say "thank you" for all the great responses. I really appreciate everyone taking time to give me advice and encouragement.

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C.T.

answers from Chicago on

Try Konsyl...it has more fiber than any other product similar to itself, such as Benefiber or Metamucil, and is safe for diabetics.

C. T.

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with everyone else, but I'd also add Brownberry Double Fiber bread. It's great...very hearty, and even my little daughter loves it.

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T.V.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Susan-

There is so much mis-information out here, it sounds like you have done some homework.

Salba is an excellent source of fiber (4.2 to 4.5g) per tbsp. It is also called the chia seed and to boot it is an awesome source of omegas. Further if you are trying to cleanse your body of the estrogen look into milk thistle and dandelion. Estrogen hides in your liver and fat cells and those 2 herbs combined together give a very powerful boost to the system in aiding to flush that out. Also-keep up with fresh fruits and veggies they are very alkaline, add oxygen to your body and are great detoxifiers-especially the more fibrous ones such as broccoli, cauliflower, watermelon, oranges. You also will want to alkalize your water.

I hope this helps.

Go to vitacost.com or naturalwebstore.com--those are great discount supplement sites. It sure beats spending alot of money at Whole Foods or a health food store!!

If you have any other questions let me know.

T.
Detox Coach

1 mom found this helpful
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C.C.

answers from Chicago on

I'm not sure about supplements, but have you tried the Fiber-One products on the market? My friend has the cereal and says it's pretty good, not as good as Smart Start but she said she really likes it. I love the peanut butter & oats and Chocolate &oats Fiber One bars. They are delicious and have 9grams of fiber per serving. They are only 150 calories too, so not much more than a Quaker granola bar but more nutritious.

After reading Jill's post, I was reminded of the grains as well. I highly recommend Sara Lee Delightful 100% whole grain w/honey. 9grams per two slices and only 90 calories. I have a hard time finding whole grains that I like, but this bread is delicious.

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A.B.

answers from Peoria on

I addition to all of the food and supplement advice, try going non-toxic on your cleaning/household, and all personal care and cosmetic products. The chemicals in most products have mimic estrogen/have estrogenic effects on the body. Also, drinking reverse osmosis water helps, because the flouride and other junk in our tap water can have the same effects. If you want to check the toxic level of your personal care/cosmetic products, go to
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1
If you want me to e-mail you a list separately of ingredients you don't want in your cosmetic products, lotion, shampoo, etc., let me know and I will.
You can go non-toxic little by little - start w/ laundry soap one week, lotion the next, household cleaner the next, face cleanser the next, etc.
I can suggest specific brands for this if you want me to.

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V.O.

answers from Chicago on

I work for a wellness company called Melaleuca and they have many natural products from fiber drinks, snack bars, cereal, etc. My kids and husband all like them. Sometimes the kids don't always eat as good as I would like them to so I give them the snack bars to help keep them regular. If you would like more information on getting safe and natural products from Melaleuca please call me at ###-###-####. I would be glad to explain to you the benefits and the money you would save instead of buying at the local stores.

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M.D.

answers from Peoria on

My first question is why do you think you need to flush estrogen out of your system? Second is why would taking fiber flush estrogen. I am an RN and have taken many Anatomy and Physiology classes and really can't think of a "proven" link between the two. Taking fiber is a good idea for most people and I do recommend it, just don't know how it would flush estrogen.

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L.F.

answers from Chicago on

I LOVE the fiber one bars, there is 9 grams of fiber in each bar! Also, buy whole grain bread or wraps with added fiber, you can find them at every grocery store. Also I eat Fiber one cereal, Special K protein plus, and I add ground flax seed to yogurt, cereal, pancakes, oatmeal, just about anything!! Load up on fresh fruits and veggies too! I find it super easy to get my 30 grams a day!!!

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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

There is a product called Benefiber, it is marketed as a fiber supplement, (not as a product for "regularity"). I get the powdered form, you can add it to beverages or even foods you are cooking, which I like to sneak in for my families benefit. It does not effect the taste of foods. Has 3 grams of fiber per 2 tsp. serving. Along with the fiber one foods and muffins already mentioned, brown rice, wheat pasta, kidney or black beans etc., and 100% whole wheat breads are also a good source of fiber along with your fruits and vegs and of course good old fashioned oatmeal. Have you heard of Light flat out wraps? Found in the deli section at grocery, use in place of bread for a sandwich with lunch meat, cheese, etc and just roll up, 9 grams of fiber and only 90 calories. Just take time to read lables and look for products made with 100% whole wheat when buying products from the grain food group. Good luck and healthy eating!

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P.

answers from Chicago on

Susan
I like Thomas' Light Multi grain english muffins. They have 8 grams of fiber per serving and only 100 calories. One or two of those a day and you are well on your way to your daily fiber goal. Good luck.

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K.B.

answers from Chicago on

Try looking into crackers like Kellogs All-Bran. They are very good and have 5 g.of fiber per serving. Also cereals like Kellogg's Go Lean Crunch (8 grams), Post Live Active (6 or 7 grams), and of course shredded wheat! Any thing you can eat instead of using a supplement is a better option.

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E.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Susan, Have you tried Kashi products? They have a significant amount of fiber in their foods. The granola bars, the fruit bars, and the cereal. Some of their foods are really good! They don't have a lot of sugar or additives and they are safe. I also buy Mixed Berries from Aldi by Fit and Active. They have a lot of fiber too! I try to eat them at least 2xs a day. Also canned or dry Kidney Beans have a lot of fiber too!(9 grams of fiber per serving). I hope this helps you. These are all the natural ways of boosting fiber in your diet. If you have any more questions please e-mail me or let me know how every thing turns out.

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J.W.

answers from Chicago on

Grounded up flax seeds is one of the best fiber out there beneficial with Omega-3's, along with the chia seed. The Fiber 35 Diet is a great book and cookbook and tells you how to get your 35 grams of fiber per day through your meals. Her Fiber Smart Bar is great, www.fiber35diet.com/freebaroffer/freebarform.aspx is where you can get a free coupon to try it. Also browse her website. She also sells a fiber sprinkle made with acai fruit, it is super easy and tasteless. You also have to increase your water intake when you increase your fiber intake, otherwise you will get backed up.

Coconut oil is also very high in fiber and very good for you. as well as coconut milk ice cream, 6g per serving and very tastey! :)

I would stay away from the metamucils, benefibers, etc, it is always best to get it through food sources.

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

You've received lots of good advice here with suggestions of food sources of fiber, which of course, is much better than any kind of "supplement." My best source of fiber is garbanzo beans (chickpeas). They can be added to almost any food for added fiber. Fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, all these add fiber in the most delicious and natural way.

J.

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N.J.

answers from Chicago on

I'm not a nutrionist or anything but I have a few products that I like. They are high in fiber according to the Nutrition labels. Again, Fiber One bars are great. Quaker has a new product called High Fiber Oatmeal. I think this has 10g of fiber per packet. I have only found these at Ultra's though (NWI). You can call your local grocer and request to have this stocked. Pears are great too. The biggest way I have added more fiber to my diet is through whole grains and fruit. I have forced myself to even buy whole grain pastas which take some getting used to. I think potatoes even have a decent amount of fiber if eaten with the skin. Hope this helps.
NJ

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C.S.

answers from Springfield on

Activa yogurt works great to keep you regulated. Two a day

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J.G.

answers from Chicago on

A big bowl of oatmeal with fruit for breakfast is a great way to get more fiber!
Vegetables, fruit, and beans are the best way to add fiber to your diet.
Use only whole grain products; no white bread or white (semolina) pasta.
Remember that no animal products have fiber- (dairy, meat, etc.)
Not even a little bit.

Try bean salads with vinegar dressings, whole grain pasta with marinara, veggies dipped in hummus or bean dip... the options are endless!

Good luck.

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