Acacia Fiber for Constipation

By Dr. Ritu Krishnatreye, BHMS

Acacia fiber for constipation

In a society of greasy fast food, stress, and high anxiety, constipation and other stomach ailments are not uncommon.

Herbs are a natural way to alleviate the discomfort associated with constipation. Acacia fiber is a good old traditional remedy for constipation relief.

Prepared from the sap of the Acacia Senegal tree, this natural herb provides enough roughage to help ease constipation.

How does it work

One of the major causes of constipation is a lack of fiber in one’s diet. Acacia contains a lot of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel like substance in the intestines.

This gel adds moisture as well as good amount of bulk to fecal matter, both of which help with easy elimination of stool. When you add moisture to stool it helps to make it soft and smooth. 

Acacia also contains beneficial bacteria needed for healthy digestion. 

Just an ounce of Acacia powder provides a healthy 25 grams of fiber. This may be all that is needed for daily fiber supplementation to get the bowels back on track.

Other fiber supplement products

Some of the more common types of fiber available are psyllium, methylcellulose, guar gum, polycarbophil and cellulose.

• Psyllium husk is the most common type of fiber used in supplements for constipation relief. It is effective in treating mild to moderate cases of constipation.
  
  
• Methylcellulose is the plant fiber found in the product Citrucel. Methylcellulose is a non-fermentable fiber and causes less intestinal gas compared to other fiber sources.
  
  
• Guar gum is the source of fiber in Benefiber. 
  
  
• Polycarbophil is a plant derived fiber that works by absorbing water into the intestines and creating a bulkier and softer stool.
  
  
• Cellulose is an insoluble fiber that is naturally found in whole wheat, nuts, whole grains, brown rice and bran.

How to take Acacia fiber

Acacia fiber is available in the form of pills, tablets and powder. The most commonly used form of this dietary supplement is the powder form.

Take one teaspoon of acacia powder in a glass of water or juice. You can also add it to food. 

Since fiber absorbs water to help relieve constipation, it is crucial to drink plenty of water with any fiber supplement. 

Add a magnesium supplement

One of the best ways to increase the effectiveness of acacia fiber is by adding a magnesium supplement to it.

Magnesium works as an osmotic agent that draws water into the colon to keep stool from drying out. Taking as little as ½ to 1 tsp. a day may perfectly complement acacia as a remedy for constipation.

Also, the extra moisture adds extra bulk in the colon to stimulate peristalsis, the wave-like contractions of the colon that propel stool forward.

Add to this the fact that magnesium is an important nutrient, offering numerous health benefits for the 80% of Americans who don’t get enough in their diet.

Conclusion, Acacia fiber for constipation

For decades, fiber has been touted as an important part of a regular diet. Apart from relieving the symptoms of constipation, fiber also promotes healthy digestion and assimilation.

Acacia fiber is a natural way to add fiber to one’s diet. Not only does it help with the relief of constipation, but acacia fiber offers a wide array of health benefits.

If you are on any medications, make sure you talk to your doctor before taking acacia fiber.

(Return from Acacia Fiber for Constipation to Natural Remedies for Constipation)