Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

It cannot hurt to stick with the Citrucel. Not sure psyllium husk is a good idea. It is 1/3 insoluble fiber and 2/3 soluble fiber. Citrucel on the other hand is 100% soluble fiber. How much Citrucel are you taking?

Yes - a physician can order both the lactose intolerance and fructose malabsorption tests. Both are non-invasive breath tests.

A stool softener at night should be fine. You may find when things are more under control you don't need them.

The purpose of the diet is to reduce GI stimulation from foods that can cause bowel muscle spasms and changes in fluid content in the GI tract resulting in more natural bowel motility, BM frequency and less C or D. The foods on the diet are very low in insoluble fiber which is well known to be a powerful GI stimulant.

The neat thing about foods like rice, non-whole grain wheat bread and pasta is that they are low insoluble fiber and higher in soluble fiber both of which are indigestible. Insoluble fiber swells with water putting pressure on the GI wall stimulating it. The swollen insoluble fiber also increases stool mass. Soluble fiber on the other hand forms a gel and does not put pressure on the GI wall.

You might find that is you shift your focus from thinking about stool consistency and amount to thinking about BM frequency without considering being C or D you might have a clear view of the result you are looking for. A faster or slower than normal GI tract causes D and C, respectively. A normal person has 1-2 BMs per day or at least 1 BM every other day. So that could be your target.

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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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