Fiber: is it harmful in irritable bowel syndrome?

In irritable bowel syndrome, the attitude toward plant fibers must be very careful and conscious. During periods of acute inflammation or severe pain, standard recommendations for a sharp increase in fiber intake can only do harm. Coarse insoluble fibers can mechanically irritate the inflamed mucosa, intensifying spasms, rumbling, and diarrhea.

However, this does not mean that people with IBS should abandon plant foods forever. The main secret lies in the type of fiber and the method of its culinary preparation. With increased intestinal sensitivity, you should give preference to soluble fiber, which acts more gently. It is also important to completely exclude raw vegetables and fruits during the exacerbation period, replacing them with stewed, boiled, or baked dishes.

In the stage of stable remission, fiber becomes an important tool for maintaining health in IBS, as it helps normalize stool. The main rule for such patients is an individual approach, rejection of aggressive coarse bran, and mandatory listening to the signals of your own body.