Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: A Fiber Fact Sheet on the Web...question for Heather.

Hi Jules - Some docs feel that IBS can contribute towards diverticulosis down the line because the severe muscle spasms of the colon in IBS could eventually cause little pouches of the colon to push out from the muscle walls - the pouches are diverticuli. If they become inflamed, you've got diverticulitis. Other docs don't think there's a connection.

By far the biggest cause of diverticulosis is a low-fiber diet. So if you've got IBS and you're eating properly you should (hopefully) not have to worry because your fiber intake will be high enough to prevent diverticulosis in the first place.

Some soluble fiber can ferment in the gut, and actually with some types (like inulin or FOS) this fermentation increases healthy gut flora and can reduce gas. There's a lot of individuality here, though, and some types of fiber cause gas and bloating for some people. Psyllium is the most notorious here - Metamucil is the least tolerable supplement as a result. Guar gum (Benefiber) is very tolerable for many people, but not for others. Unfortunately, there's a lot of trial and error here because there doesn't seem to be one type of soluble fiber that's best for everyone. I keep hoping to find out otherwise...

I'd switch to another type of supplement. One month is long enough for your body to adjust to a soluble fiber. If you're still having gas, try a different variety. The good news for all fibers is that the more you eat, the higher your tolerance tends to be. Start gradually, and increase from there. But do try different varieties because what works best for one person isn't necessarily the best for the next.

- H

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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