A majority of the patients in the study were women with chronic constipation that didn't improve with fiber or laxatives. Side effects from long-term use of this drug are not known. Also recommended are more fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, and more whole grain cereals and breads. Dried fruit such as apricots, prunes, and figs are especially high in fiber. Be aware that some people become constipated from drinking large amounts of milk.
Some people suffer from bloating and gas for several weeks after adding bran to their diets.
Make diet changes slowly to allow the digestive system to adapt. Remember, if your diet is well balanced and contains a variety of foods high in natural fiber, it may not be necessary to add bran to other foods. They are the most physiologic of the laxatives. Generally recommended for managing irritable bowel syndrome. These compounds attract water into the lumen of the intestines.