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I believe I may have discovered why I am so miserable.......

missy-h
on 4/23/08 1:32 pm - Seymour, IN
Funny how when your writing or typing something and you can read it.....it is like a new set of eyes looking at your problems.....one see's so much clearer.  Anyway, upon reaching out to fellow OH'ers regarding all the gas and bloating that has suddenly plagued me this past week, seeking opinions, experiences ect......I remembered that other than the gallbladder surgery, one thing changed.....I started using Fiber Sure instead of my usual, Benefiber......there was a great sale on it at Walgreen's early last week...heck in today's times, who can't afford to save a few bucks here and there???!!!! I never dreamed it has Gluten in it and not the same active ingredient that Benefiber does....OH the evil havoc that Gluten does to a body!!!  Gas, indigestion, bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, nausea, vomiting, headaches....I need not go any further!!! Needless to say, the brand new bottle of Fiber Sure is sitting in my trash can and I made a trip to the store for a bottle of Benefiber...bloated, crampy, painful abdomen in tow.  I am hoping that by giving the Fiber Sure the boot, that in a day or so I will see a big improvement in my symptoms.  Just wanted to share in case someone else has experienced any of the above symptoms.....and are using Fiber Sure.....you may want to reconsider..... Missy



Height:  5'2"  Pre-op weight:  297.4    
foobear
on 4/23/08 1:55 pm - Medford, MA
I think you have things backwards. What makes you think that Fibersure contains gluten?  It's 100% inulin, a soluble fiber derived from chicory root or Jerusalem artichokes.  There's no wheat in there; there's not even any grain product of any kind. Benefiber, on the other hand, is now made from WHEAT DEXTRIN.  It used to contain guar gum.  Anyway, Novartis claims that wheat dextrin is OK for people with gluten sensitivity, but I'm sure that won't keep people with the gluten heebie-jeebies (as opposed to people with demonstrated celiac disease) from exhibiting horrible symptoms now that they've learned of this.  If you're worried about gluten, you're reacting to the wrong fiber supplement. It's probably a whole lot more likely that you're simply less tolerant of inulin as a fiber supplement than you were with whatever happened to be in your old bottles of Benefiber.  Not all fiber supplements contain the same kind of fiber, and bloating, cramping etc. are characteristic of just about ANY fiber supplement, especially when first starting one.  You don't have to be gluten sensitive to have these side effects. /Steve Here's are selections from the FAQ on the Benefiber website: Why did Benefiber® change the active ingredient from PHGG to Wheat Dextrin? The new active ingredient, Wheat Dextrin, allows for more fiber per teaspoon of powder and per caplet. Therefore, you get significantly more servings of fiber in your favorite size bottle of Benefiber®. What is Wheat Dextrin? Wheat Dextrin is a natural soluble fiber. Wheat Dextrin is considered "Gluten-Free" which means it contains only a trace amount of gluten ( i.e., less than 10 ppm gluten). Unlike some fiber supplements, Benefiber® made with Wheat Dextrin dissolves completely in water and won't thicken. What is PHGG? PHGG is partially hydrolyzed guar gum, derived from the seed of the cluster bean. Unlike some other fiber supplements, Benefiber® made with PHGG dissolves completely in water and won't thicken. Can I still use my Benefiber® that was made with PHGG? Yes. Benefiber® made with PHGG has a shelf life of 2 years. Use within 6 months of opening and be sure to check the expiration date on each package of Benefiber®. Are there any side effects associated with Benefiber®? As with all fiber supplements the most common side effect of Benefiber® is flatulence. Less common side effects can include gastrointestinal pain or discomfort, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pressure with a sensation of fullness. If you experience side effects, try decreasing the amount of Benefiber® you are taking. Gradually adding fiber to your diet can help your body get used to it. Consult your doctor for advice if you continue to experience these effects Does the new ingredient, Wheat Dextrin, have any ill effects on people who experience wheat allergies or wheat intolerance? Benefiber® (N) Powder which contains less than 10 ppm of gluten, is considered 'gluten-free', based on the Codex Alimentarius Commission's proposed definition of less than 20 ppm. However, people who experience gluten intolerance should not consume any products, including Benefiber®, that contain any level of gluten unless otherwise directed by their doctor.
Unconventional_Beaut
y

on 4/23/08 11:13 pm - MI
...totally off-topic, but HOWDY DOODY!  We have the same avatar!!! 

I don't hardly recognize myself or my life anymore!
        
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