Question: I love your website. I would like to add more fiber to my diet largely through healthy, natural food sources. My doctor mentioned psyllium powder as an option. I find I tolerate the taste and preparation without difficulty. My main concern is that after a few days I exhibit some mild but irritating symptoms of allergic sensitivity: itchy nose, stuffy nose, sneezy, and itchy eyes. I’ve experimented going on psyllium several times over a few years and it seems to provoke the same response as quickly after starting it each time. The symptoms resolve once I discontinue it. Is there another supplement you recommend which is like psyllium powder?
Answer: I like whole flax seeds and chia seeds as alternatives. Oat bran and apple pectin are other options. Read more about natural treatments for constipation.