Is Benefiber or Metamucil Better for Hemorrhoids?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 75% of people will experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, with constipation and straining being a major contributing factor. Managing bowel regularity through adequate fiber intake is crucial for both preventing and treating this condition. When turning to fiber supplements, many people wonder whether Benefiber or Metamucil is the superior choice for relief.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed comparison of Metamucil and Benefiber, examining their active ingredients, mechanisms of action, and potential side effects to help individuals decide which supplement may be better suited for managing hemorrhoid symptoms.

Key Points

Metamucil is a more potent laxative: Its psyllium husk ingredient forms a thicker gel in the digestive tract, leading to faster and more effective stool softening for constipation relief.
Benefiber is a gentler option: Its wheat dextrin dissolves completely without thickening, is less likely to cause immediate gas and bloating, and functions as a prebiotic to support gut bacteria over time.
Start with Metamucil for significant constipation: For those with more severe constipation driving their hemorrhoids, Metamucil's bulk-forming action is often the best starting point.
Choose Benefiber for convenience and less bloating: If you prefer an unnoticeable supplement that is easier to mix into various foods and beverages and causes less initial discomfort, Benefiber is an excellent choice.
Hydration is crucial for both supplements: Regardless of which fiber supplement you choose, it is essential to drink plenty of water to ensure the fiber works correctly and doesn't worsen constipation.
Consult a doctor for serious symptoms: While effective for prevention and management, fiber supplements are not a cure for severe hemorrhoids, and a healthcare provider should be consulted for persistent or worsening symptoms.

Understanding the Role of Fiber in Hemorrhoid Management

For those suffering from hemorrhoids, the primary goal is to produce soft, bulkier stools that are easier to pass without straining. Straining puts excess pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, leading to swollen, painful hemorrhoids. Dietary fiber achieves this by drawing water into the stool, increasing its size and softening its consistency. Both Metamucil and Benefiber are popular over-the-counter soluble fiber supplements that help with this process, but their different active ingredients create distinct effects within the digestive system.

Metamucil: The Power of Psyllium Husk

Metamucil's active ingredient is psyllium husk, a soluble fiber from the Plantago ovata plant. It forms a thick gel in liquid which is not fermented in the large intestine. This gel-forming property helps soften and bulk up stool, making it easier to pass and reducing straining associated with hemorrhoids. Psyllium can help regulate both constipation and diarrhea. It may cause more initial gas and bloating compared to other fibers, particularly when starting. Psyllium also offers benefits like helping to lower LDL cholesterol and support healthy blood sugar levels.

Benefiber: The Gentleness of Wheat Dextrin

Benefiber contains wheat dextrin, a soluble fiber made from wheat starch. It dissolves completely without thickening and is tasteless, making it easy to mix into various foods and drinks. Wheat dextrin is a prebiotic fiber, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, which can improve gut health over time. Its effect on stool consistency is generally milder than psyllium. Some users report less initial bloating with Benefiber. While processed to be largely gluten-free, those with celiac disease should consult a doctor.

Comparison: Benefiber vs. Metamucil for Hemorrhoids


Feature	Metamucil (Psyllium Husk)	Benefiber (Wheat Dextrin)
Mechanism	Forms a thick, non-fermentable gel that bulks and softens stool.	Acts as a fermentable prebiotic, nourishing gut bacteria and stimulating peristalsis.
Effectiveness for Constipation	Highly effective bulk-forming laxative due to strong water absorption. Provides more immediate effect on stool consistency.	A gentler laxative effect. May take longer to show significant results on stool consistency.
Effectiveness for Hemorrhoids	Excellent for reducing straining and easing passage of stool due to superior bulking and softening.	Effective for promoting regularity and softening stools, but less immediate action than Metamucil.
Convenience & Taste	Can have a gritty texture and is only mixed with cold liquids. Comes in flavored and unflavored versions.	Dissolves completely and is tasteless, making it easy to mix into hot or cold foods and beverages without altering texture.
Side Effects	May cause more initial gas and bloating. Requires adequate fluid intake to avoid choking risk.	Generally causes less initial bloating but can still cause gas as gut bacteria ferment the fiber.
Additional Benefits	Clinically proven to help lower cholesterol and support healthy blood sugar levels.	Nourishes gut microbiome as a prebiotic.

Which Supplement is Right for You?

The choice between Benefiber and Metamucil depends on individual needs. Metamucil is often preferred for more potent and immediate relief of constipation and straining. Benefiber may be better for those sensitive to bloating, seeking a gentler option, or wanting prebiotic benefits. A gradual increase in fiber and ample fluid intake are crucial with either supplement. For persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. The Harvard Health Blog suggests starting with a psyllium-based supplement like Metamucil and, if gas and bloating are an issue, switching to a wheat dextrin supplement like Benefiber.

Conclusion

Both Benefiber and Metamucil can help manage hemorrhoids by promoting regular, soft stools. Metamucil provides a stronger bulking effect with psyllium, ideal for direct constipation relief. Benefiber, with wheat dextrin, offers a gentler option with prebiotic benefits. The best choice depends on personal tolerance and desired effect. Always consult a doctor before starting new supplements, especially with existing health conditions or medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

While both can be taken, it is generally unnecessary and could increase the risk of gas, bloating, and other digestive discomforts. It is better to try one and see how your body responds before considering another type or dosage.

The effects of bulk-forming fibers like Metamucil and Benefiber are not immediate. You can expect to see results in bowel regularity and stool consistency within 12 to 72 hours of starting or increasing your dose.

Both supplements are effective for preventing hemorrhoids by maintaining regular, soft bowel movements. The best one is the one you will take consistently. Benefiber's mildness and ease of mixing might make it easier for long-term daily use for some individuals.

Generally, yes. Metamucil’s psyllium husk is highly fermentable and forms a thick gel, which is more likely to cause significant initial gas and bloating compared to the gently fermentable wheat dextrin in Benefiber.

It is always best to increase fiber intake from whole food sources like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. However, fiber supplements like Metamucil and Benefiber can be helpful for those who struggle to meet their daily fiber goals through diet alone.

Yes, other options include methylcellulose (Citrucel) and calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon). Methylcellulose is non-fermentable and also non-gelling, offering another option for those sensitive to gas and bloating.

Staying adequately hydrated is the most crucial factor. Drinking plenty of water (8 glasses per day) is essential to help fiber work correctly and prevent it from causing or worsening constipation.