What is the role of fiber therapy in IBS?
Fiber is the non-digested part of plant food and adds bulk to the stools by absorbing water. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and is found in oat bran, barley, peas, beans, and citrus fruits. Insoluble fiber are found in wheat bran and some vegetables. Fiber increases the transit time of the colon and decrease the pressures within the colon. However, the role of fiber in the treatment of IBS has not been well established. One study showed that the response to bran in terms of daily stool weight, bowel frequency and symptoms was determined more by pre-existing psychometric variables such as anxiety and depression that the amount or nature of the bulking agent administered. From our experience, however, patients with mild constipation predominant IBS may derive some benefit. Fiber can be added to the diet through the eating of more fiber-rich foods, or by taking fiber supplements (common brands are Metamucil, Citrucel, and FiberCon).
Fiber is the non-digested part of plant food and adds bulk to the stools by absorbing water. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and is found in oat bran, barley, peas, beans, and citrus fruits. Insoluble fiber are found in wheat bran and some vegetables. Fiber increases the transit time of the colon and decrease the pressures within the colon. However, the role of fiber in the treatment of IBS has not been well established. One study showed that the response to bran in terms of daily stool weight, bowel frequency and symptoms was determined more by pre-existing psychometric variables such as anxiety and depression that the amount or nature of the bulking agent administered. From our experience, however, patients with mild constipation predominant IBS may derive some benefit.Fiber can be added to the diet through the eating of more fiber-rich foods, or by taking fiber supplements (common brands are Metamucil, Citrucel, and FiberCon).
