Citrucel cured my IBS?

By sammy

2 min read

I am 27 and I've had IBS issues ever since I can remember. I remember feeling the effects when I was in junior high which is when I think it started. So I have suffered for years. And my IBS has affected all aspects of my life. I am a student online because it became impossible to attend classes and it's even affected my work. I work shorter shifts daily. It's even affected my mood and my social life. I've used my IBS as an excuse. But this all changed about a week ago. My mom has been taking a fiber supplement, Citrucel, for years. She's begged me to take it for years but I've brushed it off. Finally, a week ago I got so fed up with my IBS and feeling uncomfortable day after day. So I purchased a 30 oz bottle of the citrucel powder. You mix it with water and it thickens a bit and you drink it and it tastes good. After I took it the first time I immediately noticed a change in how I felt. After I ate food, I would usually hear and feel my stomach go crazy and I would sometimes immediately have to go to the bathroom after a meal. But after taking the citrucel, I didn't feel that. I felt...normal. I didn't feel my stomach go crazy nor did I hear the stomach noises that usually accompany a meal. I was on cloud 9. I felt regular. Ever since I've been taking citrucel I've felt nearly 100% cured of my IBS. I don't get crazy diarhhea. My poops are solid and most importantly my stomach feels amazing. Throughout the day I no longer have to worry that my stomach is being too loud or feel uncomfortable! And all thanks to Citrucel. I'm not sure if this will work for everyone but I had IBS pretty bad so I'm sure it will help a lot of people. They also have citrucel pills if you prefer taking it that way. I take it twice a day with 8 oz glass of water but you can take it up to 3 times a day. It has been my saving grace. Please give it a try and let me know if it worked for you.

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Chris H. Community Admin
Hi Sar, I'm so happy to hear that Citrucel has worked so well for you in eliminating your IBS symptoms! Many community members have found that fiber supplements/high-fiber foods have helped as well. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Hopefully, others can find relief with Citrucel. Thanks, Chris, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team Member
rann1950 Member
Hi Sar, I also take a fiber supplement in chewable tablet form. It does help the gurgling that goes on after meals and makes bowel movements more "normal" for the most part. I also take it for additional bone health. IBS can affect many aspects of our health including bone loss, especially as we get older. I am so happy that you have had such great results from Citrucel. Roberta
bizze8mommie Member
Please excuse my ignorance, I'm new to this. But, wouldn't fiber make things worse? I have two kiddos and hubby who have IBS and I've always stayed away from fiber for fear of making things worse. Do you take it with every meal? Thank you for your help!
1. sammy Member
 That's what I thought too at first when my mom told me to take it but I think eating high fiberous foods may be different from the fiber supplement. I'm no expert so I'm not sure. All I know is I had a terrible case of IBS and thought I was allergic to every food. But it really worked for me. Years ago the doctor ran some tests on me and saw that everything ran through my intestines really fast, meaning the food I was consuming was going straight through me almost immediately. And the fiber I take thickens when you stir it and so I think what it is doing in my stomach is sickening everything that's going through me which is stopping that stomach noises and the urgency to go to the bathroom after a meal and in between meals. It really worked for me and feel free to try it with your husband and children. I don't know if it will work for everyone but definitely give it a try because if I wouldn't have given it a try I still would've been suffering the same way I was suffering before. Good luck I hope you find something that works.
2. Andrea Hardy RD Moderator
 That's a great question! Adequate fibre is quite important to gut health - however certain fibres can make symptoms worse, whereas other fibres can be beneficial in helping to manage symptoms. Since methylcellulose isn't fermented in the gut, it can often be a great way to add fibre, without digestive distress. Other options include fibre supplements like psyllium husk! Thanks, Andrea, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team Member
johnlaks Member
The type of fiber that you eat has an effect on how you digest it and hence IBS flare ups. Fodmap fiber is bad and can cause IBS systems. There is a lot of research currently being done on Fodmap. Monash University has a great website and app to help determine what is safe to eat vs what is not. My wife has been eating non-fodmap foods and has shown improvement with her IBS-D. Diet is critical when living with IBS. Another important management tool is to keep a food journal so you can track what is safe to eat because everyone with IBS has different triggers.
1. Chris H. Community Admin
 Hi Johnlaks, Thanks for all the great tips you offered! I'm so glad your wife is seeing from relief by following the low-FODMAP diet. Many of our community members have found success in following this diet strategy, as well as keeping a food journal. Thanks for being part of the community! Take care! -Chris, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team Member
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
@sar, Thank you for sharing what has brought you relief! Wow, how amazing to finally find something that works. I'm so glad you have been feeling better. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
Kit B. Member
I have been taking Citrucel once a day and it has provided moderate improvement but, now I'm wondering if I should take it more often. Also, I just started eating Oat Bran in the AM and I am like, whoa. Solid poops all of a sudden! I'm 48 and I've been living with this for decades, mostly managing flares after the fact with Imodium or pepto or both. And, I can relate to what someone said above about food running through me super fast. For me, it's the morning time that's a trigger. I can have, like, 5-6 visits to the bathroom before 9am if I start eating and drinking and then I'm fine by noon. 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Kit B." user-id="8847701"/> It might be worth discussing it with your doctor, to see if taking it more often might be an option for you! I really relate to the multiple bathroom visits in the morning, that's what happens for me too, especially when I get up early. Karina (team member)