Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Question on insoluble fiber and IBS-C, now BTC diet and IBS-C

Thanks for the info. So, like soluble fiber, not all insoluble fiber is created equal. I will stick to the veg/fruit IF, esp. at first as I try to figure out how to feel better.

This leads me to another question relating to IF, SF and IBS-C. With my problems being C, never D, with gas, bloating and pain from all of the above, how long should I stay on the BTC (Break the Cycle) diet where you severely limit IF. From Heather's FAQ:

"How can I break the cycle of attacks?
Diarrhea and pain should resolve in just a few days. Constipation, especially if it's been chronic, can take several weeks after you initially calm down your gut. Please hang in there.

The best thing to do to break the cycle is to really restrict your diet for a few days (and only a few days - this is a short-term diet only) to nothing but soluble fiber foods and soluble fiber supplements, and lots of strong hot peppermint tea (if you're prone to acid reflux, try fennel or chamomile or anise instead of the mint). "

So, on the one hand, it could take weeks for the gut of an IBS-C'er to start responding, but on the other hand you should not use the BTC diet for more than a few days. It sounds like the typical IBS-D knows when to end the strict BTC diet because they usually start feeling better in a few days, but how would the typical IBS-C proceed? I'm just trying to get a picture of what has worked for others in my boat so I can have some place to start. I know my mileage may vary.

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IBS-C, gas, bloating
female, age 48

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