Fiber Supplementation 

Dr. Truter recommends Prebiotic Inulin Fibre.

(Western Family Clear Inulln Fibre available at Save-on-Foods) 

​

Probiotics are nutrients for beneficial intestinal bacteria (Probiotics). 

The majority of the 3 trillion bacteria which live in the normal intestine appear to be beneficial to the host. They survive primarily by digesting plant materials which we cannot digest. The plant fibre or roughage can be classed as soluble or insoluble in water. 

​

Soluble fibres are most easily digested by bacteria and are the primary prebiotics. Examples of dietary soluble fibres Include: oats, rye, barley, legumes (peas, soybeans and other beans), fruits (plums, prunes, berries, bananas, insides of apples and pears), vegetables (broccoli, carrots, artichokes, garlic, onions, sweet potatoes) and psyllium seed. 

Insoluble fibres are less easily mixed into viscous gels for digestion by bacteria and include whole grain foods, wheat and corn bran, nuts and seeds, flax seeds, lignans, vegetables (green beans, cauliflower, zucchini, celery) and some fruits (avocado, bananas) and skins of some fruits including tomatoes. Insoluble fibres appear to benefit Intestinal function by absorption of water and increase stool weight and consistency. 

​

Fibre supplements are often beneficial for many intestinal disturbances including both diarrhea and constipation. Soluble fibre provides nutrients to the beneficial bacteria which produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA) which the intestinal cells prefer for their energy required for absorption and motility. The most common supplements include psyllium (ie Metamucil) and fructose oligosaccharide (ie Inulin). These supplements should be introduced gradually at a low dose (1/2 tsp once or twice daily and more often if diarrhea is present). Other fibres can be Increased in the diet as symptoms improve. 

Increase fluid intake to 2-3 liters per day.