A New Way to Eat for IBS ~ What's All This About Fiber?
Most people are never even told that there are actually two types of fiber. The term "fiber" in general refers to a wide variety of substances found in plants. Some of these substances can be dissolved in water ("soluble fiber"), and others do not dissolve ("insoluble fiber").
Insoluble fiber is "rough"; it passes intact through the upper and lower intestinal tract, increasing the frequency, water content, and looseness of bowel movements. Insoluble fiber, and particularly wheat bran, decreases the transit time of fecal matter in the G.I. tract. Although this has the crucial benefit of reducing the colon's exposure to carcinogens, thus inhibiting colon cancer development, it can also trigger painful attacks in IBS sufferers (both left and right side spasms).
Severe cramping from insoluble fiber can result in either diarrhea from rapid transit OR constipation from slowed motility due to spasms that "seize up" the colon and shut down normal peristalsis.
Soluble fiber, in contrast, is "smooth", and soothing to the digestive tract. It absorbs excess water in the colon, halting diarrhea, and it forms a thick wet gel that pushes through impacted fecal matter, relieving constipation. Soluble fiber also stabilizes and regulates intestinal contractions, normalizing bowel motility from either extreme and preventing the painful spasms of IBS.
Eating for IBS introduced the groundbreaking concept that you can keep your colon stabilized each and every day - whether you are prone to constipation, diarrhea, or if you alternate between the two - by basing all meals and snacks on soluble fiber foods.
Soluble Fiber ~ The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Good Guy
Take immediate control of your symptoms with Eating for IBS.
Continue reading Eating for IBS ~ Insoluble Fiber
