Does Fiber Help or Hurt People with IBS?

Much depends on individual differences

No hard and fast rules apply when it comes to the amount of fiber and types of fiber for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—everyone is different. “Some people can get away with more plant starches and insoluble fiber than others,” says Walter Coyle, MD, FACG, FACP, director of the gastroenterology program for Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. 

According to Dr. Coyle, fiber works best for IBS constipation and people who alternate between the two types of IBS. “But I frequently try it for the diarrhea patients too,” says Dr. Coyle. He encourages his IBS patients to start slowly because too much fiber too quickly can cause bloating and cramps. “I do not start fiber on a constipated patient until I clean them out, sort of cleaning the pipes before fiber loading,” adds Dr. Coyle. He believes a mixture of soluble and insoluble fibers is good in the diet, but he still starts adding them slowly with his IBS patients.

What about bran fiber?

Does wheat bran help or hurt people with IBS? I’ve spoken with several gastroenterologists, and each has distinct opinions about this. I’ve also read the latest guidelines for IBS from the American College of Gastroenterology, and considering all of this, the answer seems to be this: It depends on the type of IBS you have and your particular gastrointestinal system and sensitivities; it also depends on the amount of wheat bran you are consuming in the serving and perhaps the total amount you are consuming by the end of the day.


By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD
The Recipe Doctor Blog