supplements

Review – BarnDad’s FiberDX

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I received samples of BarnDad’s Fiber DX in exchange for my honest review from Tomoson.com.  I would not recommend anything I did not care for. 

I have a love-hate relationship with fiber supplements.  I know I could use more fiber some days, but every experiment I’ve had with psyllium husk has failed.  Big time failed. Painful bloating no matter how much water I drink afterward failed. I’m not a quitter, but I think six failed attempts with different products should be a message.  But because of the family history of cardiovascular issues, I keep trying.  Experts recommend a healthy diet include a minimum of 25 and up to 50 grams of fiber per day.  Do you get enough?

barn dadI usually get my fiber boost from ground flaxseeds these days, but an opportunity arose to try something new. I’ve seen ads for BarnDad’s Fiber DX around for years, but hadn’t taken the plunge because bloating.  I read the label and saw that that BarnDad’s products use a multi-layer fiber mix, so I accepted to offer to try the supplements.  I was not disappointed.  Not really. There was slight disappointment for the dairy-free person (me), but not for the omnivore (hubby).

BarnDad suggests you have one 15 minutes or so before a meal to help keep you from overeating.  The fiber and protein also aid in keeping cholesterol down, helps regulate blood glucose and A1C levels, and speeds muscle recovery.  Because we’re rebels, we had them either in place of regular snacks or after dinner to reduce late night snacking.

Hubby had his choice between the flavored versions, new Cinnamon Bun, German Chocolate, and new Strawberry Cream.  They each have whey protein and just 80-90 calories per serving.  Yes, I was kinda jealous.  First up was the Cinnamon Bun flavor.  It has whey protein, so I could not give it a try.  Hubby was happy to give it a shot because cinnamon bun.  He stirred it the first time he tried it and thought it was okay texture-wise.  (Note:  It was smoother and creamier when blended in the Ninja the second time he had it.)  He said it tasted just like a cinnamon bun, which surprised him.  The Strawberry Cream was okay, but then again, he isn’t the biggest fan of strawberry shakes.  He thought the German Chocolate was too sweet, but he isn’t as much of a fan of German Chocolate as I am.  He just doesn’t get it.  Am I right? bard dad german choc

The only dairy-free option at this time is the Original Unflavored.  It has 11 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein in each 50 calorie serving.  I decided that plain would not do, so I added it to two of my usual shakes.  The addition did not affect the flavor or texture of my usual protein/fruit shake and was undetectable in my protein latte.  The extra fiber and protein did not bother me at all.

barn dad cinnamon

I cannot believe that any product with psyllium husk did not leave me bloated, but BarnDad’s did not. I still can’t believe it. The multi-layer fiber matrix is magical.

The verdict?  BarnDad’s FiberDX would work nicely in the daily (or almost daily) routine.  It adds a big dose of fiber and shot of protein in a yummy little package. I do wish the flavored varieties were also non-dairy so I could mix things up, but that’s not a deal breaker when it’s  so easy to use.

Give it a try for yourself.  Go to BarnDad’s website for free sample pack (shipping required), recipes, and more.  If you see it on your local store shelves, just pick up a tub and go from there.

Do you take a fiber supplement?

Need turmeric? Try Turmerex.

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I know my post yesterday focused on how my current protocol has little to no effect on my pain flares.  But before and after flares, I’m relatively pain-free. I’ve found the combination of prescription meds and nutritional supplements that work for me. Vegetarian-friendly formulas for Glucosamine and MSM, Magnesium, Calcium, and Zinc, protein and superfood blends, and turmeric work wonders.

Because I’ve shared far and wise about my love of turmeric and its benefits, Vitavana approached me and offered a free bottle of its professional-grade supplement.  I gave it a try and definitely feel the difference between it and a lesser-quality supplement.

 

Turmerex Turmeric 95% Extract comes in a easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsule.  Each capsule contains 712.5mg of curcumin and 5 mg of BioPerine.  Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric that’s reported to help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.  BioPerine is a patented form of black pepper that boosts the body’s ability to absorb the curcumin.  It does not upset my stomach, even when the recommended daily dose is doubled. I take mine in the morning with breakfast because when I don’t, I feel it. Unlike some supplements, Turmerex has no real flavor and I can easily swallow it without water.  I also add turmeric to my food daily.  It’s included in at least one meal every day when I’m at home or have a prepared dish with me.

Life before turmeric and life with turmeric are totally different.  I do not ache as much with it in my protocol. I could not tell you how much the inflammation is reduced, but it is.  I am not as still or creaky first thing in the morning of after a longer session working at my desk.

Remember, I am not a health professional.  Anything I share here has been tried by me, and sometimes the experiments are unsuccessful.  I recommend you discuss any changes in your protocol with your doctor. 

If you make turmeric supplementation a part of your protocol, give Turmerex a try.  Each 60-capsule bottle is $39.95 with free shipping if you have Amazon Prime.  Vitavana offers a 60-day money back guarantee, so you could try the bottle and risk-free.  Turmerex is made in the US in an NSF-certified, FDA-compliant facility.

I’ll share more about what I take and why in other posts.  What works for me may not work for you.

Do you take turmeric?