Take this product at least 2 hours before or after medicines. As it moves through your digestive tract, it gathers the other carbohydrates and sugar that the body hasnt used. Hefney, A. F., et al. Several common medications can change the color of urine, including ibuprofen, amitriptyline, and phenazopyridine. The good thing about Metamucil is that they are all about transparency. I learned that fiber helps move waste through the body. By increasing the size of the food making its way through your intestines, the fiber makes your stool more solid, allowing for a smoother digestive process. WHY IS METAMUCIL NOW "75% LESS SUGAR" INSTEAD OF "SUGAR-FREE" ? AAPS Open. ** Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 7 grams of soluble fibre from psyllium husk, as . Metamucil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Read on to learn about Metamucil side effects, including which side effects might warrant a call to a healthcare provider. Why Does My Water Feel Colder in the Winter? Metamucil With Real Sugar, Fiber Supplement, Natural Psyllium Husk Powder, Plant Based, 4-in-1 Fiber for Digestive Health, With Real Sugar, 114 teaspoons (28.1 OZ Fiber Powder) Features : FEEL WHAT LIGHTER FEELS LIKE by trapping and removing the waste that weighs you down by making Metamucil a part of . It then travels to your intestines and acts as a source of soluble fiber. Metamucil, Daily Psyllium Husk Powder Supplement, 3-in-1 Fiber for Digestive Health, Plant Based Fiber, 300ct Capsules. Cleaning out water, hair, and brown gel from a pipe does not make for a fun afternoon. It is still the same great product ! In severe cases, mucus only stools. I have started to feel lighter, less weighed down, and it has helped my digestive wellness*. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Going back as far as 1934, Metamucil has been working to provide nature-rooted solutions to health problems for many years. $10 Target GiftCard with $40 Beauty & Health purchase. This process results in a lower cholesterol level in the blood. Learn everything you need to know about this important service from the experts at Plumb Works. It will likely form an impenetrable clog that prevents your sink from draining at all. This is just to provide some flavor. It is best if you take your doses just after a meal. Allergies can be mild, but they can also be life-threatening. What happens if you take too much Metamucil? This ingredient works as a laxative to absorb the water in your system and help move your food down smoothly through your digestive tract. Metamucil can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth, possibly making them less effective. The best way to get your health back to its peak is to find out exactly what your body is missing and then find a way to provide yourself with that missing element. Sign up. Some major benefits you may experience from psyllium husk include improvement in constipation, diarrhea, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and more. Being constipated is an awful feeling. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or ada@goodrx.com so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means. Metamucil Gummies do more than just improve the symptoms of poor digestion. Written by Cerner Multum. Introduced in 1934, Metamucil, with 100% natural . Each serving is 5 calories, and the two main ingredients include psyllium husk and gelatin. Metamucil vs. MiraLAX: How do they compare? Fiber supplements like Metamucil are intended to be mixed with water, stirred vigorously, and then consumed immediately. This Metamucil review found that among the many products discussed, the brand has received a very positive reaction from its consumers. Definition & facts for constipation. Metamucil [package insert]. Stop using Metamucil and call your doctor at once if you have: constipation that lasts longer than 7 days; Is it normal to have rubber like jelly in the stool when taking Metamucil? Metamucil Daily Psyllium Husk Powder Supplement with Real Sugar, 4-in-1 Fiber for Digestive Health - 28.1oz. Flashing constipation that lasts longer than 7 days. See below for information about soluble fibre and heart disease.For digestive health:Metamucil can be used for occasional constipation and to promote and maintain regularity. As both a medication and a grain, Metamucil doesnt belong in the sink. Much of it is related to your digestion, but this ingredient can also help with other health problems. Metamucil is made from psyllium husks, which come from seeds of an Indian herb known as Plantago ovata. Metamucil is the only leading fibre supplement brand that contains 100% natural psyllium husk - a great source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. When you do your body right, it does right by you! Please discard any expired product in your trash can. Do not use two doses at one time. When you consider the ingredients, customer reviews, and availability of this brand, this Metamucil review found that its worth it. while . Fiber supplements and clinically proven health benefits: How to recognize and recommend an effective fiber therapy, Psyllium is superior to docusate sodium for treatment of chronic constipation, Testing control of radiation-induced diarrhea with a psyllium bulking agent: a pilot study, The effect of a fibre supplement compared to a healthy diet on body composition, lipids, glucose, insulin and other metabolic syndrome risk factors in overweight and obese individuals, The effect of psyllium consumption on weight, body mass index, lipid profile, and glucose metabolism in diabetic patients: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Time-and dose-dependent effect of psyllium on serum lipids in mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia: a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials, Psyllium (Plantago ovata) Husk: A Wonder Food for Good Health, Psyllium: a useful functional ingredient in food systems, Comparison of the effects of soluble corn fiber and fructooligosaccharides on metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiome of high-fat diet-fed mice, Inulin: Properties, health benefits and food applications, An Overview of the Effects of Dietary Fiber on Gastrointestinal Transit. garbage disposal. Metamucil contains a bulk-forming fibre without any chemical stimulants. Over time with a fiber-rich diet, youll be able to control your appetite and improve your digestion, resulting in healthy weight loss, as this study[5] shows. Hope this helped. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The psyllium fiber in Metamucil works to help maintain bowel regularity and proper digestive functioning. Buy McKesson - sunmark Sugar Free Fiber Laxative -10-ounce Bottle today. ^ Procter & Gamble calculation based in part on data reported by NielsenIQ through its ScanTrack Service for the Fiber Supplements (branded only) for the 52-weeks period ending 04/09/22, for the Total U.S. Market xAOC, according to the NielsenIQ standard product . .css-13y9o4w{display:block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13y9o4w:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;}}America's 7 Most Inventive Hot Dog Styles, The Best Plant-Based Chicken, Pork, and Seafood, Here's What You Need to Know About Vitamin B12. Its best to take Metamucil as directed to help prevent potentially dangerous side effects, such as blockages in the intestines. For more about Metamucil, go to Metamucil/2WeekChallenge.com. Metamucil - does it accelerate acid reflux? With so many people suffering from constipation and other digestive issues nowadays, here's everything you need to know about the benefits of taking Metamucil. As a Nutrition and Supplement Writer, Divya wishes to bring more attention to the nutritional benefits of certain products, and review them using scientific resources and proof. It is very common for people to have color change of their stool when they take flavored/colored metamucil. This can prevent any uncomfortable side effects in the early stages. How many words is that so far, like a hundred? The Plumb Works team is here to help you learn the tell-tale signs you should look out for to determine if you have a burst water pipe and how to prevent them. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. I also take another teaspoon of Metamucil in water later in the day if I have a sweet craving. Laxatives. Heres what happened. See choking warning. Two of my doctors have advised (and Ive also read in many places), that one of the easiest things you can do to help lower cholesterol is drink a glass of Metamucil daily. What You Need In Your Emergency Home Plumbing Kit, Jerome Sabol, Owner of Plumb Works, Returns to WSB's "Lenz on Business" Radio Show to Discuss Business in the Plumbing Industry, Plumb Works Service Manager, Josh Czerniak, Talks About Freezing Pipes and Answers Listeners Questions on WSBs Radio Show Atlanta Living With Belinda Skelton. Metamucil Fiber Thins: 4.5/5 stars by 194 reviewers. This is especially true if you dont follow proper instructions while using it. Metamucil fiber is a form of soluble fiber. Because the fiber creates bulk and increases the size and thickness of your stool, you will no longer suffer from symptoms of constipation[3] and diarrhea[4]. when taken daily, it supports your health, starting with your digestive system. Metamucil can swell in your throat and cause choking if you don't take it with enough liquid. The two main components of Metamucil Gummies are the soluble corn fiber and the prebiotic inulin, which have a massive influence on digestion and overall health. In addition to eating healthy sources of fiber from vegetables, fruit, and nuts, Ive also closed the "fiber gap" by taking the Metamucil 2-Week Challenge. Available for Android and iOS devices. Among recommendations in a ProVoiceTM survey 2019 (OTC Bulk Fibre category). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Metamucil and other bulk-forming laxatives are generally considered the safest type of laxatives to use. Find comprehensive medical information for metamucil on RxList including its uses, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, overdose, pill images & warnings. (2018). Learn more about our whole house water filters. The main difference between Benefiber and Metamucil is the type of fiber they . (2020). The body can fight infections better and keep cells and tissues healthy. What happens when you take too much Metamucil? When youre new to this supplement, you should ease into it and take smaller servings to allow your body to get used to the new amounts of fiber in your body. When the gel moves down the small intestine, trapped sugars are slowly released and absorbed into the body, helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Brand names: Hydrocil, Konsyl, Laxmar, Metamucil, Natural Fiber Therapy, Reguloid Shaving Cream. Blockages require medical care. Metamucil Smooth Fibre Supplement Powder is ground into finer particles than Metamucil Coarse Fibre Supplement Powder. Because of individual taste differences, you may prefer either Metamucil Smooth products or the Metamucil Coarse products. Lets take a look at the ratings posted on the brands website: As you know, the supplements provide you with digestive health through the use of fiber, and many Metamucil reviews on the brand website confirm that information. Metamucil will not cause immediate evacuation but generally produces an effect in 12 to 72 hours. Mounsey, A., et al. (2018). In the worst case, the clog may have traveled into the pipes in your wall where you cant reach them. We asked three Mens Health fitness MVPs to take the .css-16acfp5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#d2232e;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-16acfp5:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:yellow;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}Metamucil 2-Week Challenge to get rid of what weighs them down. Remember, Metamucil can take a few days to start working. The simplest do-it-yourself fix is to dismantle your pipes. This gel allows more water to remain in the stool, making it softer, more . Psyllium / s l i m /, or ispaghula / s p u l /, is the common name used for several members of the plant genus Plantago whose seeds are used commercially for the production of mucilage.Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber to relieve symptoms of both constipation and mild diarrhea, and occasionally as a food thickener. This is important for every form of Metamucil, not just the powder that you drink. Press J to jump to the feed. Later in the challenge I started working it in before lunch, too. Metamucil is the only leading brand made with Psyllium Fiber, a plant-based fiber that helps promote digestive health so you feel lighter and more energetic. The Plumb Works team explains why. The Benefits of Psyllium Husk. Metamucil is the brand name of the product. Here's what happened. So Orange Smooth Texture Metamucil won my least offensive taste profile sweepstakes, and is now part of my breakfast of champions. In fact, Metamucil's benefits extend beyond digestive health. It is sometimes difficult to pass this. The psyllium in Metamucil forms a viscous gel, which traps some sugars as the gel moves down the intestine. Merck Manual Professional Version. Cover a cotton swab or ball with the shaving cream and scrub it on your nails. When I have a bowel movement my stool is made up of a substance that resembles tough rubberized jelly. Stop using Metamucil and call your doctor at once if you have: Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 240 mL of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. Metamucil. Constipation is very common and affects around 16% of U.S. adults. Hard vegetable matter, grains, eggshells, and coffee grounds can clog your pipes and even damage your. Psyllium husk offers a variety of different health benefits. forming a gel-like solution that travels . Typically, these are mild for most people. There may be a better option to treat your constipation. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Do Metamucil capsules work as well as powder? Tenesmus: intense urgency to poop, but only mucus or a small amount of poop comes out. 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (576) $53.50 $ 53. One way to get more fiber is to simply add a tablespoon of powdered orange-flavored Metamucil to your whey protein. But this supplement still has some side effects to be aware of. Take this product at least 2 hours before or after medicines. Experts say to use caution when putting things in the sink. at Walgreens. These vitamins and minerals work together to provide you with the ideal digestion, resolving any discomfort within your abdomen and making your food go down more comfortably and easily. **Survey of 291 adults who self-reported that they felt lighter and more energetic after completing the Metamucil Two Week Challenge. American Academy of Family Physicians. I would also like to sign up for a free GoodRx account. But drinking a cold glass of what tastes like Tang when its 5 degrees outside and Im waiting for my daily hazelnut coffee fix is rather unappealing. This means no more mid-morning cravings and binging on unhealthy snacks between meals. Plus, you can find many satisfied customers who have given many of their supplements a try and posted about their success stories, proving that Metamucil is as good as it gets. For best results, you should take this supplement daily and finish the entire container. More severe side effects may include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, severe constipation, rectal bleeding, and severe stomach pain. We recommend taking Metamucil three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil. Psyllium is a source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. The brand website includes a clear list of ingredients for each supplement, clarifying exactly what youre putting into your body. Simply put, Metamucil is legit! Watch this informative video where we explain all the different ways to take Metamucil! Take the Metamucil 2-Week Challenge for yourself and find out what I mean. VAL01320: This medicine is a white, gel . In general, each 2 grams of soluble fiber added to a diet will lower LDL cholesterol by about 1%, or maybe a bit more. This is usually mild, but some people also experience vomiting. The serving size for each Metamucil Fiber Pills supplement is 5 capsules. Well, expected. 167. Generally, men and women should aim for 38 g and 25 g of fiber daily, respectively. You can take up to three gummies a day for maximum fiber intake and chew the supplement properly before swallowing. The expiration date is on Metamucil because we have research to show that the ingredients are stable until the expiration date, if stored according to label instructions. Metamucil Daily Fiber Supplement, Psyllium Husk Capsules, 300 Capsules. Blood in the toilet water after using the bathroom. Were independently supported by our readers and we may earn a commission when you buy through our links. CAN I ADD METAMUCIL POWDER TO MY COFFEE OR HOT TEA ? It will get back to normal,once you stop taking it. On the advice of my physician, I've been using Metamucil 2-3 times daily for the last few years. 10 gel metamucils Review: 1. If youre struggling with your cholesterol levels, psyllium husk may provide a natural remedy. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Its primary purpose is to improve the digestive function of consumers and offer a healthy way to lose weight and suppress their appetite. One area of health that Im continuously learning more about is the power of the gut. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. By improving your digestive health, youre efficiently helping the body remove the waste inside the stomach that doesnt digest or assimilate. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. As a matter of fact, psyllium husk not only treats constipation but is also effective for combating liquid diarrheal stools and beating bloating or painful . With 12 fiber thins in each pack, the supplement comes in cinnamon, chocolate, and apple crisp flavors. Then my digestive health really started helping me feel less sluggish and ready to take on the day. To put it plainly, when Im taking it I feel lighter, more regular*, and even recharged. Buy with confidence . Metamucil (psyllium husk) is an over-the-counter supplement used most commonly for constipation. Metamucil has been marketed as a product for metabolism issues. Other products like the Metamucil Fiber Thins are not gluten-free, and you should be careful to eat them if you have those dietary restrictions. View current promotions and reviews of Shop Walgreens.com for Metamucil and other Medicine Cabinet Products. Yes, Metamucil can cause you to have a jelly like stool. Shocked, I set aside the paper and peered through my hated reading glasses at the Metamucil label. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. The fiber compound helps to transform the food into waste and pass it through your body in a solid form thats most comfortable for you. You may also find generic brands of psyllium that are less expensive, but you may find that the brand name Metamucil works better for you. We consider Benefiber to be significantly healthier than Metamucil due to the lack of questionable additive ingredients. HOW IS METAMUCIL DIFFERENT? Mix in cold water, stir vigorously and drink immediately to avoid . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Metamucil Collection. Warnings Even if I leave the oh-so-beautiful Metamucil bottle on the kitchen table. . Were glad you asked. Its possible to have an allergic reaction to psyllium husk or any of the ingredients in Metamucil. However, when it comes to boosting your fiber consumption, slow and steady wins the race. What does it mean when your stool is jelly like? The serving size for each Metamucil Fiber Thins is up to two fiber thins a day, with 12 servings per container. You don't digest the coloring agent present in metamucil and it goes through, changing the color of your stool. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Swallow Metamucil capsules one at a time. It takes about 12 to 72 hours to see its effects. Due to these additional benefits, I would probably choose Metamucil over Benefiber. With regular use of this supplement, you might even lose weight! (2022). Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Comparison of rates of nausea side effects for prescription medications from an online patient community versus medication labels: An exploratory analysis. Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 7 grams of soluble fiber per day from psyllium husk, as in Metamucil, may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Transfer the mix into jars, tightly seal, and store in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry. Metamucil Reviews: What Do Customers Think? Sundaresh Menon Height, Weight, Net Worth, Age Benicio Bryant Height, Weight, Net Worth, Age Sergey Macheret Height, Weight, Net Worth, Age How old is Rosie Seabrook? Just add Metamucil into this chilled delight to help get more fiber in your diet. Even worse than the disgusting appearance is the havoc that Metamucil wreaks on your plumbing. The taste is great, and two or three chews after dinner really seem to help my system function much better than fiber capsules Ive tried.. Avoid breathing in the dust from Metamucil powder when mixing. Metamucil works in the same manner as Benefiber, stimulating peristalsis, and slowing intestinal transit. This is because mucus and blood can come out without feces. Its often recommended as a possible first-choice option for treating constipation. Medications that are put down the drain enter the water supply, and the trace amounts of drugs cant be boiled out. Rectal bleeding could be a sign of a more serious problem. Along with healing your digestive tract, this supplement also improves your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Metamucil is a dietary supplement made with psyllium husk that claims to provide a "high-quality fiber intake with each portion". Mix this product with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or other liquid. Plumb Works Service Manager, Josh Czerniak, talks about freezing pipes with WSB's Belinda Skelton. America's 7 Most Inventive Hot Dog Styles, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Xiao, Z., Chen, H., Zhang, Y., Deng, H., Wang, K., Bhagavathula, A. S., & Wei, Y. Wei, Z. H., Wang, H., Chen, X. Y., Wang, B. S., Rong, Z. X., Su, B. H., & Chen, H. Z. European journal of clinical nutrition, 63(7), 821-827, International Journal of Science and Research, 4(9), 1581-1585, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62(2), 527-538. Metamucil may also help lower cholesterol when used together with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat. One morning, I made my Metamucil with tepid water rather than water from the fridge (an earlier make-Metamucil-with-hot-water test was nightmarish), then sat down to drink it while reading the newspaper. Although you cant purchase the supplement directly off the brand website, you can find the following prices at its retail partner websites based on the different quantities. Metamucil powder must be mixed with liquid before you take it. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Being cGMP approved ensures that this brands supplements are developed with proper safety protocols to produce quality products. The recommended dosage of Metamucil for horses is 1 ounce (28 grams) per day for each 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) of body weight. Yes,colored metamucil can change the color of your stool. So if you feel gassy after starting Metamucil, trying a different medication in this class could help. As mentioned above, if you have symptoms of a bowel obstruction, contact your healthcare provider right away. Cleaning the P-trap is a messy job, and you might have to work to pry out the thick mass lodged inside. I am more regular and feel lighter as a result*. American Family Physician. Key points. Unlike clear-mixing fiber supplements, the psyllium in Metamucil forms a viscous gel, which helps the body maintain healthy blood sugar levels* and helps lower cholesterol levels to promote heart health. When they ran out of my favorite flavor, I started looking for alternatives. You should also seek immediate medical care if you experience any rectal bleeding while taking Metamucil. Engels, G., et al. Before I go further, this Metamucil review will cover some of the brands highlights, giving you details and descriptions about the products to help you make an informed decision for your health. Other drugs may affect Metamucil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Join. The prebiotic component takes longer to display results as it focuses more on healing the digestive problem as a whole rather than just the symptoms. It can be taken either in the morning or at night, depending on individual preference or health goals. Its active ingredient is psyllium husk. Unlike many other psyllium fiber supplements on the market, the psyllium fiber in Metamucil forms a viscous gel, which better helps the body maintain lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels . Being discarded, causing the liver to take the cholesterol present in the blood to create new bile acids. Metamucil supplements cannot be purchased from its main website, but you can buy them from a variety of retail partner sites, such as Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, and more. Nausea is a common side effect reported for many medications. Is it OK to mix Metamucil with protein shake? If you notice your urine color has changed, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Truly, sludge. Metamucil may cause serious side effects. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance that lets it act similarly to stool softeners to relieve straining and improve your comfort during bowel movements. Fiber makes a person's stools bulkier and softer, which results in more comfortable and frequent bowel movements. glass of water with my first meal of the day. First, the many benefits of taking psyllium husk: Psyllium is a soluble fiber, which means it turns to gel when combined with water. HOW AND WHEN SHOULD I TAKE METAMUCIL FIBRE CAPSULES ? Metamucil may cause serious side effects. Metamucil - does it accelerate acid reflux. What was a little surprising was that I felt less sluggish after drinking Metamucil. But definitely not normal in my book. ( 1) Metamucil is a commonly-used fiber supplement that may be helpful for reaching daily fiber intake goals and improving important factors of health. Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber laxative that is used to treat occasional constipation or bowel irregularity. If youre lucky, the brown goo will be caught in the P-trap or the pipe directly adjacent. Metamucil needs water to work, so not drinking enough water with your dose can lead to a blockage. Stop using Metamucil and call your doctor at once if you have: constipation that lasts longer than 7 days; Common side effects of Metamucil may include: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Take this product at least 2 hours before or after medicines. I stir it into cold water and drink before it gets thick. GoodRx provides no warranty for any information. Official answer. What to do for bloating while taking Metamucil? They can then slowly raise this dose to one packet 3 times a day as needed. 359. It is designed to treat bowel irregularities and occasional constipation and can also help lower cholesterol.. Constipation is usually defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Is it better to take fiber in the morning or at night? What is the best thing to mix Metamucil with?