A doctor may recommend taking fiber supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel). A supplement causes less gas and bloating. When taking these supplements it is important to introduce them gradually and drink plenty of water every day to minimize gas, bloating and constipation. A person who finds that taking fiber helps their IBS they should use it on a regular basis for best results. Fiber may also be helpful for people with diarrhea predominant symptoms as it can improve the consistency of stool. For some people fiber will just make symptoms worse and are advised on other laxative treatments.
A person who is cutting out fruits and vegetables out of their diet may want to talk to a Dietitian because they are missing some essential nutrients
Mayo Clinic-Treatments
UpToDate-see link to laxative treatments (Patient information: Constipation in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Clever blog title, it took me a little while to pick up on it.
ReplyDeleteFiber is an amazing part of many natural foods, and it has several benefits that really should encourage people to make sure their diet contains enough (personally, I think it's better if people could get their fiber from a natural source, but if a supplement makes it easier and reduces potential gas and cramping, especially for people with IBS...). The DRI for fiber is 38 grams for an adult male, but we only intake an average that's just below 17 (I think it's 16.8g/d, don't quote me on that).
Fiber really is amazing though. As you mentioned, it can help with constipation, and it can help with diarrhea. Fiber helps the consistency and regularity of bowel movements, more-or-less helping to bring a level of homeostasis to our digestive tract.