Medication and Fiber Supplements: The Dos and Don’ts

Psyllium fiber is great for your body but it isn’t always the best when taken with certain medications.

We recommended speaking with a doctor before adding fiber supplements into your diet.

If you are considering taking digestive supplements, that’s great! It shows you are invested in yourself and your body. But there are some things you must be cautious of when taking these supplements.

Having Too Much Fiber is a Thing

Yes, too much fiber can be a bad thing. When beginning to incorporate more of this nutrient into your diet, proceed with caution. Do not take too much too fast. This can cause bloating and diarrhea.

Ease into it so you can enjoy all of fiber’s natural benefits. And don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids along the way.

Natural Negative Effects with Medications

Naturlax’s all-natural Psyllium Powders are sourced from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant (psyllium). Although our products are plant-based, it has natural negative effects with certain medications. See, that’s why it’s important to consult with your doctor, especially if you are taking any medications. 

Since our soluble fiber doesn’t get absorbed and isn’t easily digested, (this is why fiber gives you that full feeling), it can slow the absorption of the medication too. 

Dr. Gharib from Harvard Medical School said it best when they said,

  “ If there’s lots of fiber and medication in the intestine at the same time, it’s possible that the medication may get swept along with the fiber, so it will be excreted instead of fully absorbed.”

The Kind of Medicine We’re Talking About

Now, you’re probably asking yourself, “what kind of medication are you talking about?” Well, these:

Antidepressants medications: Amitriptyline (Elavil), Doxepin (Sinequan), Imipramine (Tofranil)

Diabetes Medications: Diabeta, Glucophage

Carbamazepine: Tegretol

Cholesterol-lowering medications: Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol (Colestid)

Digoxin: (Zocor)

Lithium

All this information and more can be found here! Remember, most of these interactions are mild but it’s important to talk to your consult with your doctor.

Here’s What We Suggest

We need some fiber in our bodies. But what is a person to do? Well, as mentioned earlier, talk with your healthcare provider. They may just recommend taking these supplements 2 to 3 hours before or after you take your medication.

If none of these options fit you, don’t worry, there are plenty of fruits and veggies that add the necessary nutrients into your diet without causing an issue.

Here on the blog, we have crafted many delicious and fiber-licious recipes like our Vegan Baked Pumpkin Oat Bars and High Fiber Tropical Smoothie!

Biggest Takeaway

Since natural psyllium isn’t absorbed and digested, (adding bulk into your stool) it can have a negative interaction with certain medications. This happens when taking your medication around the same time as taking fiber supplements.

While most of these interactions are mild, we encourage you to speak with your doctor before adding fiber supplements to your diet.