# Fiber Addiction **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 29, 2019, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827 "2019-07-29T18:50:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/1 "2019-07-29T18:50:08Z")
My doctor basically turned my family and me into fiber gummy addicts. I had my first colonoscopy and he said I needed more fiber. I bought a jar of fiber gummis and started taking the recommended two a day. It smoothed things out I guess. Because fiber gummis are fruit flavored and like gummi bears and are supposedly healthy my wife and kids started taking them, too. When the jar ran out… **Everything Stopped.** Think about that sentence for a minute in the context of what dietary fiber is supposed to do for you. I was carrying around last Wednesday’s brisket dinner for an extra three days until I get to Target and buy another jar of fiber gummis. Additionally, like with any other addictive substance, you build up a tolerance. I now need six fiber gummis a day just to stay regular. When the jar gets low everyone in the family gets fiber gummi anxiety. I bought a new jar today, and then I bought an extra backup jar for myself… just in case. I hid it. That’s right, I no shit have a fiber gummi stash. Knowing the effect they have, I wake up in the morning Jonesing for fiber gummis more than I do for coffee. I asked the doctor what he did to me and he told me. “I told you to eat more fiber. I never told you to eat fiber gummis. Why did you start messing with those?” We have all heard the tales of pharmaceutical companies designing their products to be addictive, but fiber gummis? Yup. Do not fuck with these things. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/2 "2019-07-29T18:53:12Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > That’s right, I no shit have a fiber gummi stash. I see what you did there. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/3 "2019-07-29T18:57:51Z")
There’s got to be 12-step program… …though you may have to start it. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/4 "2019-07-29T18:59:54Z")
This goes a long way in explaining the recent posting tone & tenor. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/5 "2019-07-29T19:14:30Z")
I’m going for my 3rd colonoscopy next week waaaaaaaahhhh I don’t wanna go through two days of colon cleansing… the prep tastes like stale margaritas without the ice and fun. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/6 "2019-07-29T19:29:09Z")
This is weird – I’d never heard of it before, and was wondering if the OP was having us on. But a little googling brought this up: > [@](#): > > So what about taking fiber supplements long term? It is possible that if you abuse fiber supplements, your body will become dependent on them. This can lead to you requiring them in order for your stools to move. When you use fiber supplements long term, your body gets used to having that additional source to help move your bowels, so oftentimes, when patients come off of fiber supplements, they tend to feel more constipated. Fiber supplements should be just that—a “supplement” to your diet, not a requirement for your bowels to move. > **[Health](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/health)** > > mindbodygreen is a lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life - mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and environmentally. So, to my surprise, you apparently can abuse fiber supplements (although the article doesn’t mention anything about building p a “tolerance” that requires ever-increasing doses). ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/7 "2019-07-29T19:39:16Z")
I would like evidence one way or the other because [the Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/fiber-supplements/faq-20058513) says “There’s no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful.” So I am suspicious that whatever problem there is, is related to them being fiber gummies and OP may want to consider switching to psyllium husk. It’s cheaper, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/8 "2019-07-29T19:49:25Z")
Mr. T needs to do a PSA commercial. “Don’t be a dummy! Say no to the gummy!” ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/9 "2019-07-29T19:51:58Z")
I used to eat a Fiber One oats and chocolate bar each day. Busted two teeth on those suckers. I’ll take the constipation. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/10 "2019-07-29T20:43:10Z")
I’m going with hyperbole. Fiber gummies, which I take semi-regularly, are only 6-7 grams of fiber. So unless they are your only source of fiber or you are treating and eating them as if they are gummi bears, it shouldn’t be an issue. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/11 "2019-07-29T21:00:16Z")
I go for the Orange Metamucil, which is like chunky-style Tang. One glass a day before bed, every day. I’ve noticed that if I miss two days in a row, I’m going to end up with regrets on day three, but I can’t say if this is a side effect of fiber detox or not. Just as likely, my colon has continued to age while I was using fiber, and this is it’s new, unassisted normal. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/12 "2019-07-29T21:05:27Z")
It could also be that you get used to improved pooping from all the fiber and when you miss a day, you’re simply not used to the straining you had to do before. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/13 "2019-07-29T21:17:46Z")
Luckily it wasn’t chewable vitamins. There is nothing worse than a Flintstoner. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2019, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/14 "2019-07-30T00:19:46Z")
why not just eat more vegetables? ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2019, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/15 "2019-07-30T00:33:27Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > why not just eat more vegetables? That’s what the doctor said. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2019, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/16 "2019-07-30T00:33:32Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > This is weird – I’d never heard of it before, and was wondering if the OP was having us on. > > But a little googling brought this up: > > [Health | mindbodygreen](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/can-you-get-addicted-to-fiber-supplements) > So, to my surprise, you apparently can abuse fiber supplements (although the article doesn’t mention anything about building p a “tolerance” that requires ever-increasing doses). Take that website with a shaker of salt. I adhere to the view from Mayo as posted above. We’ve evolved while consuming fiber, so of course it’s a natural part of our diet. Now go have a bowl of Colon Blow. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2019, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/17 "2019-07-30T01:53:19Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Take that website with a shaker of salt. I adhere to the view from Mayo as posted above. oh thank god i can’t go back to multi-wipe poops ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2019, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/18 "2019-07-30T02:14:05Z")
Screw gummis. Just sprinkle All Bran (they look like Grape Nuts) all over the top of your cereal. Done. You’re taken care of. Just make sure you get the “with Psyllium” kind. (also good for heart and pancreas!) Reduces flatulence!🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2019, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/19 "2019-07-30T02:17:02Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > why not just eat more vegetables? And stay well hydrated. Fiber is a hugely important nutrient, and people in America rarely get enough. But if you don’t drink enough water, it can stop you up. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2019, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827/20 "2019-07-30T02:54:44Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Take that website with a shaker of salt. I adhere to the view from Mayo as posted above. We’ve evolved while consuming fiber, so of course it’s a natural part of our diet. > > Now go have a bowl of Colon Blow. Nah, go for Super Colon Blow… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-addiction/837827.md?page=2)