You might think of fiber as a cure for constipation, but it can be used to stop diarrhea too. Just make sure to look for soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber can worsen symptoms of diarrhea. If you have irritable bowel syndrome or another condition causing diarrhea, seek your doctor's advice for treating your condition.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition causing your stools to become watery and loose, making them pass through your system faster than usual. Diarrhea symptoms typically last a couple days but can sometimes last for weeks, notes MayoClinic.com. Long-lasting diarrhea may be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome, or the more-serious inflammatory bowel disease. Seek medical attention if the symptoms do not go away after a couple days. If you are experiencing the symptoms of diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Soluble Fiber
If your diarrhea is mild to moderate, you can try taking soluble fiber for relief. Soluble fiber soaks up water in the digestive tract, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. By absorbing water in your digestive tract, soluble fiber helps firm your stool so it passes slower. This type of fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material, notes MayoClinic.com. If you have IBS, you may find help in soluble fiber too. Clinical studies have shown the ingredient helps regulate the frequency and consistency of stools in IBS patients.
Insoluble Fiber
Found in whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts and vegetables, insoluble fiber is used to treat constipation. This type of fiber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, notes MayoClinic.com. Therefore, if you are working to control diarrhea symptoms, your best action might be to limit your intake of insoluble fiber.
Sources of Soluble Fiber
You can find soluble fiber in fruits, vegetables, oats and legumes, among other foods. Apples, bananas, citrus, carrots, lentils, peas, beans and barley are some sources of soluble fiber. Psyllium, the herb found in laxatives, may also provide relief for your diarrhea symptoms. The husk, a soluble fiber, is added to certain foods like laxatives and gluten-free bread to increase fiber content.
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