Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic illness in which the bowels do not function properly, causing significant distress. The causes, diagnosis and treatment of IBS are currently active areas of research. Consult with a physician or other qualified health-care professional regarding the diagnosis and management of this condition.
Symptoms
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" by Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., IBS causes gastrointestinal distress, including abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation. In some people, the disease causes mostly diarrhea or mostly constipation, or both. Other GI symptoms may include cramping and bloating. The symptoms can worsen over time, or come and go intermittently.
Causes and Diagnosis
The cause of IBS is unknown. Some researchers believe it has a neurological cause. The colon, or large intestine, may be overly sensitive to stress or certain foods and become over- or under-active. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, serotonin levels in the nervous system of the GI tract may be abnormal. Also, some forms of IBS develop after bacterial infections of the GI tract. Finally, some people with an initial diagnosis of IBS have mild celiac disease, which is an intestinal allergy to gluten.
No direct method can establish a diagnosis of IBS. In medical terms, this is known as a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that IBS is diagnosed if the symptoms fit the profile of the disease, and other similar diseases have not been found to explain the symptoms.
Overview of the Treatment of IBS with Soluble Fiber
No cure exists for irritable bowel syndrome. You can address the symptoms, however, and dietary changes are a main form of therapy, along with medicines and psychological and social support. Soluble fiber be effective as a treatment for IBS in some people. This fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that dissolves with water to form a gel-like substance that travels through the gastrointestinal tract, but is not broken down and absorbed.
Sources of Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber occurs in psyllium husk, whole grain barley, dry milled barley, rolled oats, whole oat flour, oat bran, dried peas and beans, nuts, flaxseed, vegetables such as carrots and fruits such as oranges and apples.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of soluble fiber in the treatment of IBS is unknown. It may work by forming a gel that aids in lubricating the intestines, binding to chemicals such as bile, bulking stool and increasing the water content of stool, improving its transit through the GI tract.
Effectiveness
A 2009 article in the "American Journal of Gastroenterology" found that, on average, soluble fiber bulking agents were no more effective than a placebo for the treatment of IBS. However, this may be because some patients experience more severe symptoms due to increased bloating and gas. Other patients, particularly those with constipation and abdominal pain, may see an improvement of their symptoms with soluble fiber.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th ed."; Anthony S Fauci et al.; 2008
- NDDIC: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies, 11th ed."; Frances Sizer, Ellie Whitney; 2007
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; An evidence-based position statement on the management of irritable bowel syndrome; L. Brandt et al.; 2009
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