I prefer having ONE of the Atkins Advantage bars for my extra fiber as it tastes better and has a lot less carbs to account for in my daily totals
There are several varieties and if you check the back label you'll see that the fiber listed in these bars are usually more than the Metamucil (I think the wafers have a total of 6 g of fiber). However Metamucil is fine...so is the Beneful (did I spell that right?) sugar free. That's the only catch. It has to be sugar free but with so many on low carb these days that isn't as difficult to find as it once was.
Secondly DRINK THE WATER.
Here's what I found on Metamucil
http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Metamucil_...ce_Flavors.html:
DESCRIPTION
Metamucil contains psyllium husk (from the plant Plantago ovata ), a bulk forming, natural therapeutic fiber for restoring and maintaining regularity when recommended by a physician. Metamucil contains no chemical stimulants and does not disrupt normal bowel function. Each dose of Metamucil powder and Metamucil Fiber Wafers contains approximately 3.4 grams of psyllium husk (or 2.4 grams of soluble fiber). Each dose of Metamucil capsules fiber laxative (5 capsules) contains approximately 2.6 grams of psyllium husk (or 2.0 grams of soluble fiber). Inactive ingredients, sodium, calcium, potassium, calories, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and phenylalanine content are shown in the following table for all versions and flavors. Metamucil Smooth Texture Sugar-Free Regular Flavor and Metamucil capsules contains no sugar and no artificial sweeteners; Metamucil Smooth Texture Sugar-Free Orange Flavor contains aspartame (phenylalanine content per dose is 25 mg). Metamucil powdered products and Metamucil capsules are gluten-free. Metamucil Fiber Wafers contain gluten: Apple Crisp contains 0.7g/dose, Cinnamon Spice contains 0.5g/dose. Each two-wafer dose contains 5 grams of fat.
ACTIONS
The active ingredient in Metamucil is psyllium husk, a natural fiber which promotes elimination due to its bulking effect in the colon. This bulking effect is due to both the water-holding capacity of undigested fiber and the increased bacterial mass following partial fiber digestion. These actions result in enlargement of the lumen of the colon, and softer stool, thereby decreasing intraluminal pressure and straining, and speeding colonic transit in constipated patients.
INDICATIONS
Metamucil is indicated for the treatment of occasional constipation, and when recommended by a physician, for chronic constipation and constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, convalescence, senility and pregnancy. Pregnancy: Category B. If considering use of Metamucil as part of a cholesterol-lowering program, see Metamucil Dietary Fiber Supplement in Dietary Supplement Section.
Drug Facts
Active Ingredient:
(in each DOSE) Purpose:
Psyllium husk
approximately 3.4 g ................... Fiber therapy
for regularity
For Metamucil capsules each dose of 5 capsules contains approximately 2.6 gm of psyllium husk.
USES
effective in treating occasional constipation and restoring regularity
WARNINGS
Choking: Taking this product without adequate fluid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty in swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing after taking this product, seek immediate medical attention.
Ask a doctor before use if you have:
a sudden change in bowel habits persisting for 2 weeks
abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
When using this product:
may cause allergic reaction in people sensitive to inhaled or ingested psyllium
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
constipation lasts more than 7 days
rectal bleeding occurs
These may be signs of a serious condition.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
DIRECTIONS
For Powders: Put one dose into an empty glass. Fill glass with at least 8 oz of water or your favorite beverage. Stir briskly and drink promptly. If mixture thickens, add more liquid and stir. Mix this product (child or adult dose) with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or other fluid. For capsules: Take product with 8 oz of liquid (swallow 1 capsule at a time) up to 3 times daily. Take this product with at least 8 oz (a full glass) of liquid. For Wafers: Take this product (child or adult dose) with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of liquid. Taking these products without enough liquid may cause choking. See choking warning.
Adults 12 yrs. & older Powders: 1 dose in 8 oz of liquid. Capsules: 5 capsules with 8 oz of liquid (swallow one capsule at a time). Wafers: 1 dose with 8 oz of liquid. Take at the first sign of irregularity; can be taken up to 3 times daily. Generally produces effect in 12 - 72 hours.
6 - 11 yrs. Powders: ½ adult dose in 8 oz of liquid. Wafers: 1 wafer with 8 oz of liquid. Can be taken up to 3 times daily. Capsules: consider use of powder or wafer products
Under 6 yrs. consult a doctor
Laxatives, including bulk fibers, may affect how well other medicines work. If you are taking a prescription medicine by mouth, take this product at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after the prescribed medicine. As your body adjusts to increased fiber intake, you may experience changes in bowel habits or minor bloating. New Users: Start with 1 dose per day; gradually increase to 3 doses per day as necessary.
down at the bottom of the page on the link I posted above it gives you the CARBOHYDRATE COUNT. Pay attention to that...the capsules have 3 g carb; the powder has 12; the sugar free powder has 5; the original has 7; and the wafers have 17!!!