Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Reading a lot about IBS but very confused.

The secret is to think about finding the ratio of SF to IF you need to manage your IBS symptoms. Some individuals like me need more SF than IF to manage our symptoms. Others require more IF than SF.

Most people don't get enough fiber in their food. Traditionally physicians and nutritionists have recommended IF because its role in digestion has been known for generations. The role of SF, particularly in managing function bowel diseases is only coming to light. For example, only recently it has been learned that some SF are prebiotics that can change the composition of flora in your colon producing health benefits.

Also, in the past decade changes have been made to the definition of what food constituents can be called fibers. Total fiber intake is now composed of dietary fiber (IF and SF) and functional fiber. Here is a message with more details about this change. The neat thing about functional fibers is that they tend to act like SF in your body.

Many professionals don't know about the changes to the definition of fiber or the changing understanding of role that SF and functional fibers play in the management of IBS. The next generation of health professionals will have a better understanding of how to use dietary techniques to help manage IBS symptoms.

In the meantime you have to literally follow your gut's instinct and its feedback to tell what ratio of SF to IF you need to best manage your symptoms. It will require some experimenting. Heather's books will give you lots of guidance on this matter.

I hope this helps clear up your confusion a bit.

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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS

The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS

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