Hi all, hope I'm not wearing out my welcome yet, just ahve so many questions. This one is about the fiber supplements. I have notticed on psyllium fiber it says to take with so much water or you could choke, this scares the he double hockey sticks out of me. I also noticed on the back of a packet of flax seeds it says take with plenty of water. I assume this is for the same reason. My question is has anyone had any trouble with this, choking I mean, and is this even someting i should be worried about. I would greatly appreciate any input on the subject, thanks a bunch

brian

Way to go USC, bad bad Vikings, I really need to get cable I missed the rose bowl, lets all cry for me.

Hi Brian,

I've never heard of psyllium choking anyone! I think it would be mighty difficult, if not impossible, to actually choke on the stuff. What does happen is that the psyllium swells and forms a gel once water is added. You'll see what I mean if you wait too long before drinking it. If you have it with insufficient water, it can increase constipation. Interestingly, psyllium is useful for both diarrhoea and constipation, because it softens and adds bulk. You need lots of water with it no matter the reason you're taking it.

So just add your tablespoon of the psyllium husks to a large glass of water (it will taste somewhat better if you add a squeeze of lemon juice) and drink it down. I generally follow it with another glass of water for good measure. Of course, as a good low carber you will be drinking lots of water anyway, right?

Cheers.

Rosebud

Thanks for the quick answer. I though about it and I was thinking about fibercon, the tablets, which i assumed were psyllium. Maybe they are not. I am sure on the fiber con it says you might choke if you dont drink enough water. Any answers on that end.

thanks

brian

Brian, you'll need to drink plenty of water no matter what kind of fibre you are taking.

I think it's theoretically possible to choke on just about anything, and they are therefore trying to make sure that you drink plenty of water with it. Which you will do, I'm sure.
Don't worry too much over it. If you are really afraid of choking on the tablets, try another form of fibre, such as the psyllium husks.

Rosebud

Thanks Rosebud, appreciate the quick responses. I'm a slight hypochondriac, well maybe not slight, i worry about everything

thanks again

brian

My 10 year old had to take 2 tbs twice a day for 12 months because of a colon problem. He took and mixed it by him self 90% of the time. No problem even for a kid.