Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

IF increases in size when it absorbs water, this bulks up the stool increasing pressure on the bowel. In an IBS person where the bowel is irritable the increased pressure may cause bowel spasms similar to those cause by fat resulting in C or D. Another thing that might happen is the IF gets fermented in the bowel again increasing pressure inducing spasms. SF doesn't absorb water but in water it acts like a gel. This give the bowel something to squeeze against that is flexible. Some SF can ferment in the bowel producing gas. Some people do better with some kinds of SF compared with others.

I believe one of the goals for a C person is to find the right ratio between SF and IF starting with more SF than IF and then slowly increasing IF. However, you may find you need a lot of SF before you can reduce the C.

--------------------
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

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator