Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder of the intestines. It causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and cramping. It usually begins around age 20 and is most common in women, according to the American Academy of Family Physician's Family Doctor website. IBS does not cause permanent damage to the intestines, but it does cause distress and discomfort. Part of the treatment of IBS is a high fiber diet. Consult with a physician before making changes to the diet.
Grains and Starches
A high fiber diet can help symptoms of both diarrhea and constipation, according to Family Doctor. People with IBS need 20 to 35g of fiber a day. It is recommended to slowly add fiber to the diet by two to three grams a day to limit abdominal discomfort. An anti-gas pill, such as Beano, can help alleviate some of the discomfort. Grains and starches high in fiber include whole-grain cereal, whole-wheat bread, whole grain crackers, brown rice, barley, oatbran, wheat bran and oatmeal. Foods high in soluble fiber, like oat meal, help to ease both diarrhea and constipation, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Legumes
While adding fiber to the diet, it is also important to drink at least eight cups of fluid a day, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Legumes are a significant source of fiber in the diet, and include kidney beans, lima beans, lentils, black beans, soy beans and pinto beans. A 1/2 cup serving of black beans provides 7.5g of fiber, meeting 20 to 30 percent of daily needs. Legumes are also a source of soluble fiber.
Fruits
To limit bloating and gas, people with IBS should eat four to five smaller meals a day, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Fruit sources of fiber include apples with the skin, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, oranges, peaches, prunes, raisins, strawberries and pears. A medium pear contains 4g of dietary fiber, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Vegetables
Many vegetables contain insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps to move food through the gastrointestinal tract and bulk stool alleviating constipation, says the Family Doctor website. Vegetable sources of fiber include broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, cabbage, corn, green beans, peas, cauliflower, spinach, kale, collards, beets, sweet potato with the skin and baked potato with the skin. With only 25 calories, broccoli is a low-calorie source of fiber with 2.8g in a 1/2 cup serving.
