Fiber (both soluble and insoluble) is considered an indigestible carbohydrate. Other carbs are digestible (starches, sugars) which means your body extracts nutrients from them, including calories. The non-digestible carbs that are fiber can ferment in the gut, but this actually increases the probiotics (good gut flora) that you need for bowel health. Probiotics in your gut will actually help decrease bloating and gas.
If you're not used to fiber of either kind, and you suddenly increase the amount in your diet, this can cause bloating and gas because your gut has to adjust. So always start slow and easy, and increase gradually, especially with concentrated forms of fiber like a supplement.
I'd double check that your doc has checked you for celiac. And you can check the research library on the boards in the diet section for soluble fiber studies in IBS.
Have you tried fennel? And there are several yoga positions specifically for gas/bloating that can really help.
Keep us posted!
- H
-------------------- 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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Carbs and soluble fiber are not one and the same thing....
