Soluble Fiber Foods for IBS

As the name suggests, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) interferes with normal bowel function. IBS diagnosed in both men and women strikes the large intestine (colon). As we all know, the colon is mainly involved in the elimination of fecal matter. So, with the onset of IBS, one experiences a change in bowel movement that appear in the form of diarrhea or constipation. Apart from frequent or irregular bowel movement, the person is likely to suffer from abdominal pain, bloating and gas.

List of Natural Sources of Soluble Fiber
In order to get relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), one can certainly rely on soluble fiber foods. This type of dietary fiber is dissolvable in water and is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Clinical studies have proved that soluble fiber is extremely beneficial to reduce severity of IBS symptoms, especially abdominal discomfort. In fact, having soluble fiber foods everyday is considered to be one of the best IBS treatment. Managing IBS becomes an easy jobs if soluble fiber foods are eaten on a daily basis. Psyllium, a soluble fiber contained in various starchy foods can help in getting rid of IBS. Taking soluble fiber supplements as well as foods containing psyllium is a powerful tool to combat IBS effectively. Be it diarrhea or constipation, psyllium can work wonders to relieve any type of IBS symptoms. Soluble fiber foods promote smooth passage of stools, which helps to restore normal bowel movement. The soluble fiber behaves like thick wet gel in the colon, which helps to push the stools easily thereby preventing constipation.

• Rice
• White pasta
• Vegetables that include turnips, carrots, parsnips, yams and rutabagas, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, beans, pumpkins and squash
• Root vegetables such as beats
• Soy foods like tofu, soybean and tempeh
• White bread
• Apple sauce
• Fruits like bananas, apples, oranges, figs, prunes, mangoes, papayas and avocados
• Whole grain products that include oatmeal, barley
• Chestnuts

Too much intake of insoluble fiber also needs to be avoided in order to prevent IBS symptoms from worsening. Focus should be more on eating soluble fiber and less on insoluble fiber. Also, one has to discard carbonated drinks as well as cabbage, cauliflower from IBS diet as they promote build up of gas.

Caution
Although fruits like avocados and bananas are excellent sources of soluble fiber, they are considered to be gas-producing foods. Hence, avoiding or minimizing their consumption is essential to prevent bloating and gas symptoms from aggravating. Soy products can also worsen bloating and hence eating in moderation should be given utmost priority.

On the whole those looking for an easy home remedy for relieving IBS symptoms need to follow soluble rich fiber diet. So, eating foodstuffs high in soluble fiber would definitely be a wise decision to prevent as well as overcome this bowel problem.