Would increasing the fibre in my diet help control Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a condition that involves food moving too fast or too slow through the intestines. Many people who have IBS describe symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, gassiness, stomach cramps or bloating. Fibre can be beneficial as it helps improve the functioning of the intestines. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are best controlled through lifestyle changes most notably dietary changes. A low fat and high fibre diet is the key to reducing bloating, pain, and other IBS symptoms. Fibre increases the bulk of the stool and also makes stool softer and easier to pass. Fibre can be found in many of the foods we eat such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. Bran is another excellent source of fibre that can be added to stews, chili, hamburgers, and muffins. If you are adding bran to your yogurt or breakfast cereals, start with a teaspoon a day and gradually increase the amount to 25-30 grams of fibre per day. Too much fibre in a short period of time can le
