
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Fiber for weight loss: Siberian, flax, wheat, pharmacy fiber
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
Fiber is a dietary fiber of plant origin. It is used to build plant cell membranes. It is not digested by enzymes in the stomach and duodenum. It is only in the intestines that beneficial microflora processes it. Fiber is used for weight loss, due to its ability to cleanse the stomach and intestines of toxins and waste. That is why it is included in dietary nutrition.
Benefits of Fiber for Weight Loss
The benefit of fiber for weight loss is in the property of its insoluble fibers to swell in the stomach, absorb various substances harmful to the body, and evacuate them. At the same time, it creates a suitable flora for the vital activity of beneficial intestinal microorganisms. The presence of fiber in our food reduces the risk of intestinal inflammation, gallstone disease, normalizes the process of defecation, promotes metabolism, reduces cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood. Recognition in the field of dietary nutrition has received due to its low calorie content, the ability to give a feeling of satiety, and acceleration of the time it takes for food to pass through the digestive tract.
ATC classification
Pharmacological group
Pharmachologic effect
Indications of fiber for weight loss
An indication for the use of fiber for weight loss is excess weight. Obesity leads to slagging of the body, liver disease, pancreas, and metabolic disorders. Fiber acts as a body cleaner, like a sponge absorbing harmful toxins and poisons, removing them, enhancing the motility of the digestive system. The ability to swell in the stomach, delay the absorption of carbohydrates and fats gives a long-term feeling of satiety, does not allow fats to accumulate and frequent snacks.
Release form
In addition to fiber in natural products, there are also pharmaceutical versions of dietary fiber. The pharmaceutical industry has taken care to create biologically active supplements containing fiber in concentrated form in such forms as tablets, powders, granules, bran. They are easy to use, their dosage is well-standardized, and they can be combined with each other.
Composition of fiber for weight loss
The composition of fiber is a combination of polysaccharides (cellulose, pectin, gum, mucus, guar, etc.) and lignin (non-carbohydrate dietary fiber). Some of these chemical elements are soluble when in contact with liquid (pectin, mucus, gum), others are insoluble (cellulose and lignin). When entering the intestine, mucus, pectin, gum are completely or almost completely fermented; cellulose is partially fermented, lignin is not fermented. Both substances should be included in the diet for a balanced functioning of the digestive system. The composition of fiber for weight loss should predominantly include products containing a large amount of dietary fiber with their low calorie content.
Siberian fiber "Thin waist"
Siberian fiber "Thin waist" contains all the components to provide the body with everything necessary for its vital functions without eating large portions of food. It improves the functioning of the digestive tract and, at the same time, allows you to get rid of two or more kilograms of weight monthly. It contains wheat grain shells, oats and tea from a mixture of horsetail, nettle, St. John's wort, mint, and anise fruits. Such a concentration of medicinal plants has a calming, diuretic, laxative effect, and reduces appetite.
Wheat fiber for weight loss
Wheat fiber for weight loss is prepared from purified wheat bran. It can be finely or coarsely ground with the addition of various other useful elements: various medicinal herbs, berries, kelp, nuts, fruits. The function of this type of fiber is to remove harmful substances from the body, normalize the excretory system, fill the stomach with dietary fiber in order to optimize food intake.
Flaxseed fiber for weight loss
The word flax translated from Latin means "the most useful". This plant contains phytoestrogens, vitamins A, E, B, F, amino acids, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids. Flax fiber is used for weight loss, and also has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract, enveloping the walls of the stomach. Removing carcinogens from the body, it prevents the threat of rectal cancer.
Hellebore fiber for weight loss
Hellebore is a broad-spectrum medicinal product, including being known as a remedy for cleansing the body of waste and toxins, a choleretic, and a diuretic. Hellebore fiber for weight loss is made by adding the root of the plant to fiber of another origin in a ratio of 1:30 due to the toxicity of the plant.
Pumpkin Seed Fiber for Weight Loss
Pumpkin itself is a very healthy product. It contains many minerals, vitamins: C, E, K, PP, group B. There is even a rare vitamin T, which is involved in the formation of platelets, blood clotting processes. It also contains pectin, which prevents the deposition of cholesterol plaques. In terms of carotene content, it is 4 times higher than carrots. In addition, pumpkin is low in calories. All these qualities make pumpkin seed fiber indispensable for weight loss.
Milk Thistle Fiber for Weight Loss
Another effective remedy that helps to get rid of extra pounds. Milk thistle is successfully used to normalize bile secretion processes, improve metabolism, and treat kidney diseases. In addition, it contains many different macro- and microelements, vitamins, which compensate for the nutrients lost during weight loss and not received.
Weight Loss Shakes with Fiber
Slimming cocktails with fiber are another way to use it, but in liquid form. It is made on the basis of low-fat kefirs, yogurts, milk, you can take egg mass. By adding fiber of one or several types, as well as low-calorie fruits for saturation with vitamins, favorite spices, and grinding this composition with a blender, you get not only a satisfying, but also a tasty dish. A good result can be achieved by replacing breakfast or dinner with this type of food. Several glasses of the cocktail give the opportunity to "hold out" during fasting days. There are ready-made protein shakes, based on soy, with the addition of fiber, vitamins and other useful components. They not only promote weight loss, but also help build muscle mass, are popular among athletes.
Pharmacy fiber for weight loss
A person gets fiber from natural food that he consumes every day. The daily norm for a person is 25-35g. But if the goal is to lose weight, it is necessary to increase the norm to 60g. Pharmacy fiber for weight loss will help to cope with this difficult task. It defines the ratio of soluble and insoluble substances, the composition is indicated. Each person can choose for himself, or better yet, consult a doctor, what is more suitable for him, based on the availability of useful components, the presence of flavors, chemical additives. A wide range of products in the retail network indicates the popularity of this method of losing weight.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of fiber for weight loss is based on the properties of dietary fiber to swell inside the stomach under the influence of liquid, filling it and creating a feeling of satiety. It also perfectly absorbs and removes bile acids, cholesterol, and other harmful substances from the body. At the same time, dietary fiber delays the absorption of fats and carbohydrates. There is no nutritional value in fiber, since it is not processed by stomach enzymes. Due to the above facts, weight loss occurs without hunger. After passing through the entire gastrointestinal tract and absorbing human waste, fiber comes out with feces.
Dosing and administration
How to take fiber for weight loss so as not to harm your body and get the maximum effect? The method of application and doses of fiber for weight loss are indicated on the packaging of each specific dietary supplement, they must be read and strictly followed. General for all types of fiber is the recommendation to start with a small portion to track the body's reaction to it. Fiber is mainly taken before or during meals and washed down with plenty of water. Another way is to add it to finished products. The optimal dose is 1-2 teaspoons 2-3 times a day. Special instructions must be followed when taking hellebore fiber. Start with half a teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast for 10 days. Each new ten-day period, add half a teaspoon, bringing it to 3 teaspoons. This will take a month and a half. After a break of 2-3 months, you can repeat. At the same time, it is recommended to take multivitamins.
Kefir with fiber for weight loss
Kefir with fiber for weight loss is a very popular and effective recipe. Using it, you can spend fasting days. At other times - replace breakfasts and dinners. You should drink no more than a liter of kefir per day, dividing it into 4 doses and adding a teaspoon of fiber.
[ 16 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ], [ 19 ]
Fiber at night for weight loss
The best diet is to eat less, so say people who replace dinner with fiber at night to lose weight. Siberian fiber "Thin Waist" is suitable for this purpose. Instead of dinner, you need to dissolve 2 teaspoons of fiber in a glass of liquid. It will fill the stomach, give a feeling of satiety, but will not give the body a drop of fat or carbohydrates. The result will not take long to come.
Senna fiber for weight loss
Senna is known as a laxative, choleretic and hepatoprotective agent. Due to the anthraglycosides it contains, the receptors in the rectum are irritated, thereby enhancing intestinal motility, accelerating the movement of contents through it, removing waste and toxins from the body. Fiber with senna for weight loss is aimed at losing weight by cleansing the intestines. You should not get carried away with this, because along with harmful substances, useful components are also washed out, without which life is impossible. In addition, addiction can occur and a "lazy bowel" syndrome can occur, after which independent defecation will be complicated.
[ 22 ]
Use of fiber for weight loss during pregnancy
The use of fiber during pregnancy is useful, but not for the purpose of losing weight, since this is not the right time to think about your figure, but from the point of view of improving the digestive tract. Pregnant women often suffer from constipation. The use of dietary fiber activates the movement of feces through the intestines and facilitates defecation. Also, during pregnancy, hormonal changes occur, which affect metabolism. Fiber helps to normalize metabolism. Its best sources for pregnant women are bran: wheat, oat, rice. They are insoluble fiber and must be included in your diet along with soluble fiber: oatmeal, most vegetables and fruits. You should not resort to fiber from medicinal herbs (milk thistle, hellebore, etc.). Excessive consumption of dietary fiber can cause flatulence, heaviness in the stomach, frequent and loose stools. It is necessary to listen to your body, observe moderation in your gastronomic preferences, including products containing fiber.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of fiber for weight loss are acute inflammation of the internal digestive organs, ulcers, erosions, neoplasms, individual intolerance to a particular component.
[ 14 ]
Side effects of fiber for weight loss
Since fiber is contained in the rough part of plants, its effect on the digestive organs cannot be called soft. Side effects of fiber for weight loss can be expressed in bloating, flatulence, pain in the epigastric region, in the intestines and its disorder. Allergies in the form of rashes and redness of the skin can also appear.
[ 15 ]
Interactions with other drugs
Fiber, interacting with other drugs, affects the time the drug stays in the body and the rate of its absorption into the blood. Insoluble polysaccharides prevent the absorption of the cardiological drug digitoxin, the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic sodium salicylate, the drug for the treatment of the urinary tract furadonin. This occurs due to the discrepancy in the time of their passage through the digestive system and excretion from the body. Simultaneous intake of fiber with iron preparations that reduce the formation of blood clots, antipyrine weakens their effectiveness. Medicines based on the active substance tetracycline are incompatible with fiber rich in calcium, and sulfur preparations - with fiber containing iron.
Foods Containing Fiber for Weight Loss
Products containing fiber for weight loss include apples, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage, legumes, broccoli, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, wholemeal flour, bran. This group of products contains cellulose - "coarse" dietary fiber that is not soluble inside a person. Other insoluble fibers - lignins are found in peas, eggplant, strawberries, cereals, and stale vegetables. Products with "soft" fiber, containing pectins, mucus, gums - are oat and barley porridge, fresh and dried fruits, carrots, potatoes, various types of cabbage, dry peas, citrus fruits, seaweed. Dietary nutrition should include both types of dietary fiber. To obtain the expected result, it is necessary to give preference to products made from coarse flour, porridges made from whole grains, raw vegetables and fruits, dried fruits, and legumes. It is also necessary to replace refined vegetable oils for dressing salads and preparing other dishes with unrefined ones.
Diet with fiber for weight loss
It is necessary to go on a diet with fiber for weight loss after consulting a doctor. Meals should be light, contain small portions, and be frequent. Fiber is most often taken half an hour before meals and washed down with a large volume of water, or added to liquid dishes and drinks. You need to start with 1 teaspoon of fiber, adding it to 2-3 meals, gradually increasing the dose and frequency. One of the diet options may be as follows:
- breakfast: porridge from various cereals with milk (200-250g), tea or coffee without sugar, vitamins;
- second breakfast: a glass of kefir or another low-fat dairy product, several fruits of any kind;
- lunch: vegetable soup with a small portion of bran bread, 60-80g of boiled poultry, green tea;
- afternoon snack: 100-120g cottage cheese, nuts, banana;
- dinner: various vegetable salads dressed with unrefined vegetable oil, preferably olive oil, one egg or 100g of boiled fish, tea;
- Before bed: a glass of kefir.
Fiber or bran for weight loss
While fiber contains soluble and insoluble components, bran consists mainly of insoluble ones. This is essentially the husk from the grains, separated as a result of milling. When choosing fiber or bran for weight loss, you need to know that their effect is identical, but bran is more caloric and contains more fats, carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, they require more water to wash down. For weight loss, fiber is still better, and to maintain a stable weight and healthy diet, you can eat bran.
[ 37 ]
Reviews of those who have lost weight and the results
Most often, positive reviews come from women who have given birth, who are no longer breastfeeding and want to regain their previous figure. And they succeed. Many are satisfied with fiber because there is no need to subject themselves to strict gastronomic restrictions and the possibility of gradual, gentle weight loss. Less common are negative comments related to the body's adverse reaction to dietary fiber: pain in the intestines, constipation, flatulence.
Doctors' reviews
Doctors acknowledge the positive effect of fiber on the body, its role in preventing colorectal cancer, lowering cholesterol, and preventing gallstones. In the matter of losing weight, they urge not to rely only on fiber, but to combine it with diet and exercise, and to consult with them before taking it.
Analogs and similar preparations
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Fiber for weight loss: Siberian, flax, wheat, pharmacy fiber" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.