Some notes when using dietary fiber supplements

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The article was professionally consulted with MSc.BSCKII Phan Thi Minh Huong - Gastroenterologist, Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.
Fiber provides you with a wide range of health benefits. It can lower cholesterol, keep blood sugar stable, and help you lose weight. However, to be able to properly add fiber, keep the following in mind.

1. The role of dietary fiber supplements

Dietary fiber is essential for the body. We can add fiber from completely natural foods and functional foods. Currently, using dietary fiber supplements for the body to prevent and reduce constipation is widely used by consumers. However, fiber also needs to be used properly with a reasonable dose to bring good effects without harmful effects to our health
For most people want to use fiber as a type of food. Natural medicine to protect the heart is best to get fiber from natural foods. Dietary fiber can be found naturally in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts.
However, many people have poor eating conditions, the body is not loaded with enough fiber, we can use dietary supplements with fiber supplements to make up for that deficiency.
Dietary fiber and dietary supplements offer similar health benefits. Because most fiber supplements are aimed at preventing constipation rather than lowering cholesterol.

2. Dietary fiber supplements

If you want to take a fiber supplement, you should talk to your doctor first to find out which foods are right for you and benefit your health.
Fiber supplements come in many forms, from capsules and powders to chewable tablets. The composition of these foods contains functional fibers, which are extracted from natural sources or produced in a laboratory.
Natural fibers extracted include lignin (a compound found in plant cells), cellulose (a sugar found in plant cells), pectin (a sugar found in fruits and berries) , gum (a sugar found in seeds) and psyllium (from the husk of the Plantago plant, the only dietary fiber supplement that helps lower LDL "bad" cholesterol.) Functional fibers are commonly produced. including polydextrose and polyol, and maltodextrin.

3. Use dietary supplements safely

The benefits of fiber for the human digestive system and intestinal tract are undeniable. However, we do not for that reason abuse fiber supplements indiscriminately. In the process of using the drug, users should note the following principles:
To be safe for health, in the process of adding fiber from functional foods, you need to use it slowly. for the body to gradually adapt. If you add a lot of fiber to your diet too quickly, it can cause some nasty side effects like bloating, cramps, and gas. Experts recommend gradually building a reasonable regimen. When using functional foods, you should pay attention to drink plenty of water.
Because these are functional foods that are not completely derived from nature, so you should not abuse it. Your body will not be completely healthy if the diet contains too much fiber. However, the addition of fiber needs to follow the body's needs as well as the current nutrition of the user. Studies show that adding 50 grams or more of fiber per day can affect how your body absorbs nutrients. Therefore, you should have a calculation of the total amount of fiber you provide your body each day from your diet and fiber supplements.
Talk to and consult with your doctor and specialist about possible bodily reactions between the dietary fiber supplements you intend to take and any medications you may be taking. using. Because fiber slows digestion, it can slow down how quickly some medications are absorbed.
Some studies suggest that you should not combine fiber with medications for depression, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, seizures, and various heart conditions. Even common medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and penicillin can be affected by the increase in fiber. The best measure you should take the medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating fiber.

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Reference source: Webmd.com