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Originally Posted by looking4answers12
Thanks for this. My father has problems that resemble IBS. He hasn't been diagnosed with it, but I suspect whatever it is, some of the things you've done would probably be the best treatment for him.
Problem is, he is convinced that his diet doesn't matter. He's 81. Extremely stubborn and it extremley challenging to deal with him and to modify his diet.
I have one question...why eliminate insoluble fiber? I thought all fiber was good.
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All fiber is good, but all fiber is not equal.
Insoluble fiber like that found in whole grains is very important for your body's health and shouldn't be simply eliminated. Basically it's 'rough' fiber that helps clean the walls of the digestive tract and helps reduce the risk of cancer. It also aids in weight loss and balancing blood sugar.
However, with IBS the digestive tract is more reactive. Insoluble fiber can cause problems because most of it is not really digested and the digestive tract can get irritated from it (hence irritable bowel syndrome).
Soluble fiber is 'smooth'...if you mix it with water it forms a gel. This helps both with diarrhea because it helps to firm things up and with constipation because it helps to push things through. So no matter what type of IBS you have, it helps to keep things regulated. On the other hand, it isn't as healthy for your whole body...this is the type of fiber found in white flour or potatoes. In some people it causes weight gain and blood sugar issues.
So the trick is not to eliminate insoluble fiber, but to cushion the stomach first with soluble. So for example you eat a big white flour bun before you eat a small white wheat bun. Soluble fiber should form the basis of each meal, with insoluble fiber added in according to the tolerance point of the individual. IBS is very variable and not all individuals have the same triggers.
The best way to see if this diet will help your dad is to have him try a very bland, soluble based diet for a week. White rice, white bread, etc. and plenty of water. Eliminate all possible triggers...fatty food, red meats, insoluble fiber, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonation are all big ones. If it works for him and he's feeling better, he can start adding back in one trigger at a time until he figures out what works for him.
There are also fiber pills and powders sold that can help, but they typically aren't labeled if they are soluble or insoluble. I use Benafiber (I think that's the name). It's pure soluble fiber and can be mixed it with just about anything. It has no taste at all.