"what are fiber pills and can i take them while dieting and nursing?"?
Question:
Fiber pills are usually made from psyllium which is plant material that gets digested slowly by the body and also helps get things "moving" in the intestines because they don't break down as much as other foods. Fiber in general is good for people trying to lose weight because fiber helps make you feel full, help control your blood sugar level so you don't get hungry or crave sugar and also keep you regular- preventing bloating (this helps your belly look flatter too!) If you can't get the fiber from your foods- which you should but it can be hard to get enough, that's what fiber pills are for, to supplement the fiber. I've never heard any problem connected with taking fiber and nursing and would be surprised if there was one.
Fiber pills are an expensive way to get fiber. Each capsule is generally 1 gram of fiber, the same as 1 serving of leafy greens or 1/2 cup of cooked veggies.
If you eat the veggies you'll also get the benefits of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Keep in mind the government recommendation for fiber is 30 grams per day -- that's a lot of pills.
We had a discussion thread on this topic at Kimkins today.
Fiber pills are ok to take when nursing and can be helpful for dieting. Take a teaspoonful or two of psyllium powder in a glass of water 15 minutes before meals to curb your appetite and improve your elimination.
More Related Questions & Answers...