Hi Darlene!I started off taking about 3 tablespoons a day in 3 glasses of water. I disovered that this was the reason for much of my gas and bloating. I stopped completely and payed for it too, but now I have decreased my dosage to 1 tablespoon in a glass of water before I go to bed. It has helped me so much! I have become very regular, but the key for me is to drink as many glasses of water during the day as I possibly can. If you take the Metamucil without extra water, it can constipate you. My suggestion is to experiment with the dosage until you find the amount that is most comfortable for you. Good luck!