Irritable bowel syndrome results in significant pain, intestinal muscle spasms, gas, bloating, and difficulties with bowel movements. Some individuals experience chronic constipation, while others experience diarrhea. One way to treat constipation is with fiber supplements, specifically, the use of soluble fiber supplements, which help to soothe spasms and regulate bowel movements.
IBS and Constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder of the gastrointestinal system. Common symptoms include pain and spasms in the intestines, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Individuals with constipation often experience difficulty having regular bowel movements, and experience significant pain. Individuals with constipation have limited movement in their bowels, which leads to fluid retention. This, in turn, leads to constipation.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber helps to regulate the intestinal tract and therefore regulate bowel movements. It helps to soothe spasms in the intestines and can control both constipation and diarrhea. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and passes through the intestines without being digested. Soluble fiber absorbs water in the intestines and forms a gel, which helps to slow the passage of waste through the intestines. In addition, keeping the intestines stretched around the gel helps to prevent and control muscle spasms. This controls constipation by softening waste and helping it to move through the intestines.
IBS Constipation and Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber works to regulate bowel movements and minimize spasms in the intestines. In order to regulate constipation, individuals should eat a diet high in soluble fiber. This includes foods such as potatoes, pasta, rice, oatmeal, carrots, bananas, and applesauce. However, soluble fiber supplements are available to help supplement the diet of an individual with IBS constipation. According to Help for IBS, persons with IBS can safely take soluble fiber supplements. However, supplements should be chosen carefully, as some contain artificial fillers and sweeteners that may worsen certain symptoms, such as gas and cramping. The supplements can be taken as a powder mixed with water or as a tablet.
Types of Fiber Supplements
There are several brands and types of soluble fiber supplements. They include Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, FiberChoice, Fibercon, Equalactin, and Fybogel. The different types contain different ingredients. Metamucil and Fybogel contain psyllium, Fibercon and Equalactin contain calcium polycarbophil, Citrucel contains methylcellulose, Benefiber contains wheat dextrin, and FiberChoice contains inulin. Persons who tend to experience significant gas and bloating should not take products containing psyllium or inulin, as these can exacerbate symptoms. Another type of fiber is acacia fiber.
Dosage
You should start soluble fiber supplements at a low dose and gradually increase it in order to give your body time to adjust. In powder form, you should initially take one-half to one teaspoon of soluble fiber twice a day for a few weeks. You should then increase your dosage to two to four tablespoons twice a day, which is between 12 g and 25 g of soluble fiber. Individuals with constipation may need a higher dosage of daily fiber, around 30 g a day. To find the dosage that works best to manage your symptoms, consult with a doctor, as many of these products are manufactured as laxatives and the recommended dosage may not match what you need for your symptoms of IBS.
Member Comments