how does fiber work to help both constipation AND diarrhea? how can it do both of those things?

Question

I’ve heard people say, “if you’re constipated, you need more fiber in your diet.” and I’ve also heard people say, “if you’re having diarrhea, you need more fiber in your diet.” does fiber really help with both? and if so, how? I would think that fiber would help with diarrhea but make constipation worse. (TMI) >!but multiple times, eating fiber-heavy foods like flax seeds has caused diarrhea for me.!<

TLDR: how does fiber work to influence your bowel movements??

In: Biology

Answer 1

The trick with flax seeds, I learned, is drink way more water with them. Way more! I had the same experience as you OP and that was the culprit. I was eating them in the morning when I’m usually still on coffee. Chug a bunch of water when you eat them. Like two glasses. Problem solved.