Metamucil Can Cause Heartburn

I have been using Metamucil, about every other day or so, for months. Hubby and I started taking one glass of powder in water in the evening after he received some blood work indicating his lipid count was slightly high. Metamucil can help reduce cholesterol. (See my post Metamucil For Lowering Cholesterol)

For about a week, I have been getting heart burn nightly. I have had a few dietary changes over the last few weeks (see my posts on the Anti-Candida Diet) including a giant increase in my consumption of nuts and seeds, and lemon juice. I also take fish oil capsules, and have been told by one person that fish oil caused them to get heart burn. So basically, my thoughts were everywhere but on the Metamusil. By process of elimination, I got there. So this morning I decided to do a little internet searching just to eliminate the possibility. Bingo, I've found my source.

Here are a couple of places where others have indicated having the same issue:

Here

And here

Neither of these gives any explanation as to why this occurs in some people, but shows that others have experienced the same effects I am. I'll try to find something a little more scientific...

I have to add that after doing a bunch of reading, there are other side effects as well. Before taking Metamucil, do a little research. If you have a pre-existing condition for which you are taking Metamucil, or other fiber supplement, read what others with a similar condition have experienced. Some with ulcerative colitis or other conditions have had difficulty tolerating Metamucil. For some, it is a wonderful, side-effect-free experience with many bonuses. For others, not so much.

UPDATE: Since writing this, I have decided to try experimenting with flavorless Metamucil to see if made a difference in how well my belly tolerated it. I bought this:

I wanted to give it a few days to see if that made a difference. I have now taken this kind (description below) three times, in the evening.

Metamucil, Clear and Natural, Clear-Mixing Powder. Flavor-free and taste-free, this one is made from 100% inulin, natural vegetable fiber. This kind calls for one TEAspoon per 8+ ounces of water. (The orange flavor kind calls for one TABLEspoon per 8+ ounces of water.

I have had no heartburn at all with this product. It is quite different from the orange flavored kind. It stirs clear in the water, and you cannot tell it's in there when you drink it. Very different from the orange kind, which is very obvious in the water (despite the flavor) as it is very thick. The longer it sits in the water, the thicker it becomes. If you don't stir as you drink, you can end up with a sludge at the bottom of the glass. It's a very different experience, and so far, a better one for me. For those with physical reactions to the other kind, it's definitely worth a try. And who needs the flavor, really. And who needs the sugar?? I'm glad to have found an alternative.