Acacia
#343794 - 03/28/09 07:08 PM
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kiwi
Reged: 10/30/03
Posts: 12
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I told an email buddy that I was trialling acacia, so she decided to buy some. However, she has just emailed to inform me that it gave her gas, so she is going to give it away. Is this normal? She did not get up to more than 2 tsp a day.
As for me, I am going to give it a long trial. I have not noticed increased gas. However, I am finding it difficult to get beyond the 4 tsp a day, as I start to lose gains when I do so.
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Read here about frequently asked questions regarding acacia.
http://www.helpforibs.com/shop/suplmts/acacia.asp#faq
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IBS-D, GAD (general anxiety disorder), Major Recurrent Depression, GERD (gastric reflux disease), Hiatal Hernia, PTSD
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Thanks for that.
However, I still don't understand why it should give her gas. She was on a very small dose. It is a shame that she will not be carrying on with it.
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I had the same problem with it. When I first started taking it I had bad D and it helped with that. But I noticed increased gas/bloating and it got to the point I had to stop. I, too, was on a low dose (1 tsp. 2x daily).
Now my C is so bad I'm thinking of trying it again. I may wait until the end of the workweek and start off slow.
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IBS-A and GERD since 1983
Low FODMAP since 2012
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Re: Acacia
#343850 - 03/30/09 01:36 PM
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erind
Reged: 03/19/08
Posts: 96
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Hi Everyone,
Taking too much acacia too fast can cause increased gas and bloating. Acacia is one of the lowest gas-forming fibers out there and going slow makes the gas issue totally avoidable. Please be patient because this really does work.
We recommend starting with ½ teaspoon twice a day (daily dose of 1 teaspoon). You can split the daily dose up as many time as you like throughout the day, just divide it by 2 or 3 depending on the frequency you prefer. Try to increase the dose every 4th day or so by a teaspoon (add this to the daily dose). If you get increased gas and bloating by jumping the dose up by a teaspoon, try cutting this in half. Some people with IBS are so sensitive they have to go up at ¼ teaspoons every 4th day. Keep stepping up the dose every 4th day or so until you find a dose that resolves your constipation and/or diarrhea. Constipation is usually resolved with a daily dose of 4-5 tablespoons/day and diarrhea/loose stools usually resolves at a lower dose of 1-3 tablespoons/day. You shouldn't take more than 5 tbsp/day. The maintenance dose is different for each person depending on their specific symptoms. Dietary changes are often necessary to make lasting changes. In the beginning until you stabilize, it works best to take the acacia before each meal to minimize the effect of trigger foods in the meal and to calm the intestines before the food arrives.
Best,
Erin
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Erin Dudley, MS, CN
Certified Nutritionist
Heather's Tummy Care / Heather & Company for IBS, LLC
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LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This email is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. Heather Van Vorous and Heather & Company for IBS, LLC are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email and/or any web site(s) linked to/from it. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this email
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Thankyou for that information. It was what I suspected, although I thought that she might have been able to get away with 2 tsp. I'll pass your message on to my buddy and hope that she has not already given the acacia away.
I have had real difficulties in getting above 4 small tsp a day, despite having been on the acacia for several weeks now. The only good thing about that is that I am still on my first packet. However, I have finally been able to increase the size of the tsp for a couple of the doses without going backwards again. I feel that it is probably better to have my largest dose at night because usually early morning is my worst time in that I habitually have at least 3 bm's in the first hour of the day. Does that make sense?
My digestive problems are so complex and are different from most IBSers, but I really think that the acacia has helped in some areas and I have never said that for any other supplement or medication. Believe me, I have spent literally thousands of dollars on finding a cure too. I intend to trial it for at least a year. Normally I think that 3 months is more than long enough to know if something is going to work for you.
Edited by kiwi (03/30/09 04:19 PM)
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I don't think people view acacia and other SFS accurately. A SFS is the fiber you should be eating in food, without the food. It isn't medicine or an unreliable supplement. If you can eat food with fiber in it, you can take a SFS.
The benefits of a high fiber diet are not disputed and are more important for those with digestive issues. Of course the type of fiber is crucial as Heather explains in her info pages. Soluble fiber is a must to buffer insoluble.
When anyone increases fiber or makes other changes to the diet, gas is often a result. Amongst my workmates, Fiber 1 bars are an inside joke, in that whenever someone increases their fiber, tooting will follow until they are used to it. With IF this is much worse, but can also be the case with SF as well, in food or supplement form. That is why starting small and gradually increasing SF, whether in food or other form, is essential. Acacia fiber is so concentrated that taking even a teaspoon is like eating quite a bit of fiberous food. So it should be treated with care but definitely not with fear or even skepticism. It is a very healthy dietary change and without fiber the chance of stabilizing is almost nil IMO.
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IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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Even these guidelines would have been WAY too fast for me. I had to start with 1/4 teaspoon twice daily for one week, then spend a week increasing by 1/4 teaspoon. Then I'd stay there a week, then spend another week increasing by 1/4 teaspoon.... you get the picture. It took me a LONG time, but I eventually got up to 3 tablespoons daily, and that dose seems to work really well for me. So, don't be discouraged! Your friend is most likely increasing way too quickly, even though it may not seem like a large amount.
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Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)
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Another thing I was thinking about is that the increase of gas and bloating after introducing a SFS isn't necessarily bad. The intestines may react to the chance with a little more gas but the fiber is good for them and they will get used to it. Thinking about what is good for them in the long run to reach the goal of stabilization is the thing. I just find it so hard to believe people who firmly attest to not being able to handle a SFS.
After all, when you start to exercise you get sore, but you know it is for the best and will go away. For some starting a SFS they may need to think of it this way. Personally I have been on one for so long I can't remember having any issues with starting.
I seem to be obsessed with examples don't I?
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IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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Thankyou, everyone, for your responses. I have provided my email buddy with a link to this thread. She is very grateful for all the information and is going to try again.
She has looked at the list of 'safe' food, but says that she gets a reaction to many of them.
I am not following the diet myself as such at present. I am fairly satisfied with the progress I am making with the acacia, but if I come to a standstill will definitely introduce the diet.
I have one more question. Some people have a problem with the powder not always dissolving. Is it such a big deal? As long as it goes down, it doesn't worry me at all.
I am now increasing my doses a bit faster and will share my progress from time to time in the hope that it will encourage others to try it. I am heartened to hear of success stories from other people.
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There is no choking risk with acacia and so lumps are safe. If you put the acacia in the cup and then add just a little cold liquid, stir really well and then add the rest of the liquid, it will dissolve better.
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IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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