Metamucil is a natural fiber that can cure many bowel problems, including both constipation and diarrhea! It also has other health benefits such as lowering 
cholesterol and risk of colon cancer.
WHAT IS METAMUCIL?
Metamucil contains a special type of fiber called “psyllium”. Metamucil is the brand name of the product. You may also find generic brands of psyllium that are less expensive, but you may find that the brand name Metamucil works better for you.
Psyllium is a source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre helps to soften stools. It will either form a gel-like material when added to water (such as psyllium fibre found Metamucil) or it will dissolve completely in water. Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water. It moves through your digestive system largely intact so it helps to bulk up stools. Both kinds are important.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The fiber works as a sponge. It absorbs the extra water and adds bulk to the stool. Think of your bowel as a tube of toothpaste: When there is not much toothpaste left in the tube, it is hard to squeeze out the toothpaste. However, when there is a lot of bulk and the tube is full, it is very easy to squeeze out the toothpaste.
If your stool is too hard, that same sponge-like fiber absorbs water up into the stool and softens it.
For these reasons, Metacucil can cure both constipation and diarrhea. It is like a miracle cure for all!
DON’T FORGET TO ADD WATER!
When taking Metamucil, you will need to remember to drink more fluids during the day as well. If you add too much fiber and bulk without adding enough water, this can make constipation worse.
Men may need to take in 10 cups of fluid per day. Woman may need to aim for 8 cups. (1 cup = 250ml)
HOW DO YOU TAKE METAMUCIL?
The most common form of Metamucil comes in a powder. You mix it in water and drink it. Metamucil also comes in a pill (capsule) form. The powder form is less expensive. For some people, the pill form is more convenient, but be prepared to be taking at least 6 to 12 (or more!) of the pills per day.
There is no “correct” dose of Metamucil to take. Everyone may need a different amount per day for desired effect. The trick is to start with a low dose, like 1 scoop per day (or 6 pills per day). Try this for 3 or 4 days in a row and see how things go. After 3 or 4 days at the low dose, if you are not having success with your bowel movements, then try increasing the dose a little higher, like to 1 scoop TWICE per day (or 6 pills TWICE per day). Then see how things go after 3 or 4 days more on that dose. You may have to adjust your dose further from there.
Again, everyone’s body is different and everyone will need a different amount for desired effect. Just keep adjusting your dose a little up (or down) every 3 to 4 days until you find the right amount that works for you.
WHAT NOT TO BUY!
Metamucil now comes in a different version that contains a fiber called INULIN, instead of psyillium. DO NOT BUY THE INULIN KIND.
It causes people to have lots of gas and cramping.
If you have gas, bloating, or a sensitive bowel, you may also be interested in learning about the FODMAP diet here.