Query re oat bran / soluble fibre page

[Sigi]

Hi Mark and everyone.

I'd just like to get your thoughts about the use of organic oat bran in my protein shakes. Before finding out about the Primal principles, I had been adding a tablespoon a day to my breakfast shake, and found it helped greatly with my regularity (I've often had elimination issues). Having read Mark's interesting posts on fibre and grains in general, I understand the general Primal view on insoluble fibre and the difficulties it may contribute to (internal irritation, nutrient binding, etc), but does the mainly soluble fibre in oat bran also cause the same difficulties?

Any other suggestions (of a dietary nature, that is) to assist in reducing constipation, if fruit, vegies and nuts just aren't doing enough for me? (And yes, I have read the delightful "pooping" articles and posts on MDA <g> I'm not quite up to balancing on the toilet seat in a full squat just yet!)

Thanks!

[Hilary]

Don't know about oatbran, but I've used linseeds (=flaxseeds) occasionally. Those would qualify as 'primal' and I assume (don't know for sure) that since the seeds exude a slippery gel when wet, they wouldn't cause irritation. You may find things settle and you don't need anything after a while, though.

[localad]

I thought most of the nasty bits in grains were in the outer bits and skin?

Get enough Fat in your food and constipation won't be a problem. Everything will slip out a treat!

[lizch]

Get enough Fat in your food and constipation won't be a problem. Everything will slip out a treat!

It's taken me 2 months on primal and (maybe) the addition of magnesium supplements to get comfortable, and even then, "slip out a treat" is overstating it a little I eat plenty of fat. I think it's just that years of bran intake made my gut dependent on it, and it's taken this long to adjust.

I'm glad I didn't add any fiber during the transition--I really think that would have prolonged the problem.