Particles comprising a combination of a carboxyalkyl cellulose preferably carboxymethyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer, such as guar gum or locust bean gum or a glucomannan polymer, wherein the particles comprise a plurality of non-permanent metal crosslinks. A method for making particles containing carboxyalkyl cellulose, comprising blending a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water to provide an aqueous solution; treating the aqueous solution with a crosslinking agent to provide a gel; drying the gel to provide a solid; comminuting the solid to provide a plurality of particles.