How to Take Fiber Supplements with Other Medications
Fiber is a beneficial supplement to everyone's daily diet. It helps to prevent constipation as well as lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It can be found in grains, fruits and vegetables. The daily recommended allowance is 25 grams of fiber per day.
Supplies
- Fiber supplement
- Glass
- Water
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning any new fiber supplement regime when taking any medication.
- Understand fiber supplements can lower blood sugar, interfering with the absorption of medication such as Aspirin. This is especially important if you have been prescribed Aspirin to reduce a stroke risk.
- Always wait two hours before taking any fiber supplements after taking your regularly prescribed medications. However, fiber supplements can also be taken two hours prior to taking your medication. The important thing is to allow a two-hour window either before or after before introducing fiber into your digestive tract.
- Drink at least 8 ounces of water to prevent choking when taking a fiber supplement, because fiber swells when it is mixed with liquid.
- Consume plenty of liquid daily to help flush fiber through your digestive tract. If this is not done, bloating and constipation can be a result, since many individuals use fiber as a natural laxative. If this step is not taken, fiber can have the reverse effect of its intended use.
Overall, taking a fiber supplement can benefit those who don't get the correct amount in their diets. However, if you are taking other prescriptions or over-the-counter medication, it is important to follow the above steps.