Best Fiber Bars for Relieving Constipation 2023

Understanding the Role of Fiber for Constipation Relief

Constipation affects nearly 16% of adults, causing uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and infrequent bowel movements. Increasing fiber intake from foods and supplements like bars is commonly recommended to help get things moving again. But with so many products touting added fiber, discerning the best fiber bars for alleviating constipation can be confusing.

How Fiber Eases Constipation

Fiber promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements through several mechanisms. Specifically, it:

• Absorbs fluid to soften and add bulk to stool
• Provides food for good gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids
• Triggers contractions to move waste through the intestines

This natural laxative effect makes fiber a first line recommendation for both preventing and treating constipation. Consuming a diet high in plant foods provides fiber, but bars and supplements offer concentrated doses that can provide immediate relief.

Choosing the Best Fiber Bars for Constipation Relief

With the fiber bar market saturated with options ranging from grocery store staples to specialist products, choosing a high quality one optimized for constipation can be difficult. Here are the key features to look for:

• 5+ grams of fiber per bar for a meaningful dose
• Mix of soluble and insoluble fiber for fluid retention and colonic sweeping
• Limited added sugars to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes
• Decent protein content (5-10g) to support satiety
• Prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy gut flora
• Natural, recognizable ingredients

Reviews of the Top Fiber Bars for Relieving Constipation

Renewlife Organic Clear Fiber

Clear Fiber lives up to its name with a completely transparent ingredients list full of organic prebiotics from natural food sources. Each bar delivers 5 grams of fiber blending soluble acacia fiber and insoluble corn fiber that feeds gut bacteria and encourages bowel movements. Free from artificial sweeteners or protein isolates, these basic bars supply functional fiber without unnecessary additives.

• 5g fiber (2g soluble, 3g insoluble)
• No added sugars
• Vegan
• No protein isolates
• Organic chicory root for prebiotic fiber

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Organic Fiber Bars

Garden of Life leverages only whole food ingredients like organic seeds, nuts, and spice powders for ample nutrition in their dedicated fiber bars. With 7 grams of varied fiber sources per bar, they check the box for mixed fiber types to relieve constipation. The addition of probiotics and enzymes assists digestion.

• 7g fiber
• 7g protein
• Organic ingredients
• Probiotics and enzymes
• No added sugar or corn syrup

NuGo Smarte Carb Bars

The Smarte Carb line from NuGo balances protein, fiber and low net carbs for sustained energy and high nutrition. Each bar contains 8-10 grams of protein alongside 7 grams of fiber from soluble chicory root and insoluble oat fiber that works synergistically to relieve constipation. The low calorie count and glycemic impact make them an excellent choice.

• 7g fiber (soluble and insoluble sources)
• 8-10g protein
• Low calorie and net carbs
• No corn syrup or soy ingredients
• Non-GMO

GoodBelly Probiotic Fiber Bars

GoodBelly’s fiber bars distinguish themselves by supplying the proprietary probiotic Lp299v to boost digestive health alongside cleared constipation. Each bar packs 5 grams of fiber from oats, seeds and superfood powders aided by 30 billion CFUs of probiotics. The bars manage to taste delicious despite their potent functional ingredients.

• 5g fiber
• 30 billion Lp299v probiotic CFUs
• Prebiotic ingredients
• Free from dairy, soy, gluten
• Delicious flavors like cinnamon and chocolate hazelnut

HealthyLife Wholegrain Fiber Bars

With a name like HealthyLife, this brand’s dedication to using minimally processes, nutritious ingredients for their fiber bars shines through. Each bar contains a simple blend of whole grains like oats, seeds, and wheat bran for 7 grams of natural fiber content. Their affordable price makes them a budget-friendly option.

• 7g fiber
• 5g+ protein
• Whole grain oats, seeds and wheat bran
• No high fructose corn syrup
• Low cost

Additional Tips for Choosing and Using Fiber Bars for Constipation

Mind Ingredient Quantities

Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as some bars rely on sweeteners and flavorings over delivering ample fiber or protein. Prioritize options with recognizable, whole food ingredients providing complete nutrition.

Experiment with Flavors

The best fiber bar for your needs should also appeal to your palate, making it easier to enjoy daily. Branch out from chocolate and coconut flavors to carrot cake, lemon, cinnamon and more unique options.

Pair Bars with Other High Fiber Foods

While bars provide convenient and portable fiber doses, aim to consume at least 25-30g of total fiber from all dietary sources for lasting digestive health. Fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains also boost intake.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration allows added fiber to reach its full potential. Without adequate fluid, soluble fibers cannot form gels, and insoluble fibers don’t sweep waste out as efficiently. Women should drink at least 11 cups (2.7 liters) of total fluids daily.

Exercise Caution if New to High Fiber Intake

Transition gradually to a higher fiber diet if increasing intake dramatically to allow your body time to adjust. Start slowly with bars to avoid adverse symptoms like gas, bloating or diarrhea.

Sample High Fiber, Constipation-Relieving Daily Meal Plan

Incorporating fiber bars within a balanced diet higher in plant foods and fluids helps achieve smooth, regular bowel movements. Here is a sample high fiber day that fights constipation:

Morning

• Overnight oats with chia seeds, flaxseed, berries and almond milk
• Fiber bar like GoodBelly (1 bar)
• Coffee or green tea

Mid-Morning Snack

• Medium orange
• Handful of mixed nuts like almonds and walnuts

Lunch

• Lentil vegetable soup
• Quinoa salad with chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers

Afternoon

• Baby carrots and hummus
• Fiber One bar (1 bar)
• Sparkling water with lemon

Dinner

• Broiled salmon
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Bulgur wheat
• Berries with plain Greek yogurt

This sample menu provides over 30g fiber from wholesome plant foods, fiber bars and supplemental sources like seeds. Adequate protein and healthy fats keep you satiated while fluids facilitate fiber’s digestive benefits.

The Takeaway

Fiber bars can help provide concentrated doses of soluble and insoluble fiber to relieve constipation when incorporated into a high fiber diet. Look for products containing 5-7g fiber from varied sources, protein for staying power and bonus gut health ingredients like prebiotics or probiotics. Pair bars with lots of plant foods and fluids for lasting regularity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.