Soluble Fiber in Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)

Soluble fiber is one type of fiber that dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance that adds bulk to the stool and helps to keep it soft. A new study suggests that patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) should be eating a diet rich in soluble fiber. For preventing Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms, soluble fiber is the single greatest dietary aid in the first place. It not only prevents irritable bowel syndrome but also relieves it. Soluble fiber can be directly used for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Certain types of bacteria are present in soluble fibers which are beneficial to the digestive tract. After entering the colon, soluble fiber starts to breakdown the carbohydrate, which, in turn, stimulates the colon muscles as well as it helps to soften the stools.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

It is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome has been also called spastic colon, functional bowel disease, and mucous colitis. Commonly, it is characterized by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It produces a great deal of discomfort and distress. It does not permanently harm the intestines. Also, it does not lead to any serious disease such as cancer. People with IBS syndrome may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances. The symptoms of IBS can be controlled in most people with stress management, diet and prescribed medications.

Symptoms of IBS:

• Symptoms of IBS can be varied from person to person.
• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation
• Change in the stool frequency or consistency
• Gassiness (flatulence)
• Passing mucus from the rectum
• Bloating
• Abdominal distension
• Difficulty or inability to pass stool

• Large meals
• Stress, conflict, or emotional upsets
• Wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, or alcohol
• Bloating from gas in the colon
• Medicines
• Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas

Soluble fibers in irritable bowl syndrome:

Soluble fiber prevents Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms and also relieves them. Actually, soluble fiber is found in foods commonly thought of as “starches”. Though, soluble fiber itself differs from starch. Soluble fiber has ability to dissolve in liquid including water consumed as part of diet. Soluble fibers keep the colon somewhat distended and so it may help to prevent spasms. By absorbing water, it keeps the stool from being too hard and therefore difficult to pass. It should be eaten in enough quantity because high fiber diet may increase gas and bloating but these symptoms should reduce as the body becomes adjusted. Soluble fiber at doses of 20 grams per day can reduce overall symptoms in patients who have constipation predominant irritable bowel. But, it will not reduce pain.

Sources of soluble fiber:

• Brown rice
• Barley
• Dried beans
• Fresh peas
• Currants
• Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
• Oat Bran
• Psyllium husks (Metamucil)
• French bread
• Oatmeal
• Prunes
• Figs
• Pasta
• Raisins
• Rice
• Sourdough bread
• Soy

According to the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial reported in the Online First issue of the BMJ, soluble fiber (psyllium) may effectively relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but insoluble fiber (bran) may worsen symptoms of IBS. Also, study authors concluded that “psyllium may be somewhat greater in patients who fulfill the Rome II criteria for irritable bowel syndrome but bran may worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially at the beginning of treatment, and should be advised only with caution”. Psyllium, a naturally-occurring vegetable fiber has beneficial effect in IBS according to researchers. The symptoms reduced by 90 points on a standard scale by using psyllium. Studies have shown that soluble fiber is more effective than insoluble fiber in treating IBS. According to study, Insoluble fiber promotes the movement of food through the intestines, whereas soluble fiber binds with fatty acids and prolongs stomach emptying time.

1. By Denise at 28th May, 2010

   I notice that soluble fiber helps to reduce the amount of cramping I get from my severe IBS constipation. It won’t help my severe gas ,bloat, constipation though.