Fiber especially psyllium decreases inflammation in IBS. Simply advising to increase dietary fiber does not benefit the patients of IBS as all the dietary fiber is not very beneficial. Soluble, mildly-fermenting, viscous fiber with high water-holding capacity helps in IBS. Only psyllium has all these characteristics.
For individuals with constipation-predominant IBS, a soluble fiber supplement (Metamucil or others containing psyllium) can be helpful. Large amounts of fiber can hinder the absorption of medications, so take your medications one to two hours before the fiber supplement.
By activating the farnesoid X receptor, psyllium may have anti-inflammatory effects.
#1. Psyllium Husk Fiber. This fiber retains water and provides bulky, easy-to-pass soft stools. Psyllium has been shown to be more effective than stool softeners for those with chronic idiopathic constipation and is also touted as one of the “go to” fiber source for IBS.
Fiber can trigger IBS symptoms by setting off an overreaction to mechanical stimuli or by providing fodder for bacterial fermentation.
Take psyllium at least 1 hour before or 2 to 4 hours after taking other medications. You should always take psyllium with a full 8 oz. glass of water, and you should drink at least 6 to 8 full glasses of water throughout the day to avoid constipation.
Laxatives may be habit-forming if they are used too often or for too long. Psyllium can swell in your throat and cause choking if you don't take it with enough liquid. Drink plenty of fluids each day to help improve bowel regularity. Take psyllium with a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of water or other liquid.
Thus psyllium is beneficial in IBS through the microbial and neural route and by decreasing inflammation. Psyllium supplement at adequate dosage (at least 20-25 g per day) with adequate amount of water, coupled with other physiological steps could provide substantial relief in IBS.
Fiber supplementation in the treatment of IBS
Physicians (particularly those in the primary care system) usually recommend patients with IBS to increase their intake of dietary fiber to 20–35 g daily in order to regulate the stools and reduce abdominal pain and meteorism (140–143).
Fiber is an important part of your daily diet. That's especially true for people living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal condition marked by stomach cramps, diarrhea, and constipation.
The pain in IBS is related to a change in the part of the brain that receives signals from the gut, which “turns up the volume” on sensations. This understanding of the brain–gut connection is essential, not only to the cause of the chronic pain, but also to its treatment.
While we don't know what causes IBS, we do know that flare-ups are often triggered by food, caffeine, stress, carbonated drinks, artificial sugars, or infectious diarrhea. The more IBS episodes you have, the more sensitive your gut becomes to triggers.
Certain grains: Gluten-free oatmeal and brown rice are usually well-received by people with IBS and provide soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements. Low-fat yogurt: Some people with IBS have worse symptoms after eating dairy foods.
Consuming psyllium husk in the morning can help to regulate the digestive system and prevent constipation throughout the day. Taking psyllium husk at night may be beneficial for those who want to promote regular bowel movements during the night.
Taking fiber supplements every day seems to be safe. Popular fiber supplements include inulin, psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) and methylcellulose (Citrucel). Fiber is good for the body. It helps the bowel work well and prevents constipation.
How long does psyllium husk take to work? It can take two to three days to see improvements in bowel activity. However, some people prefer this more gradual laxative action because it initiates a steadier improvement in constipation symptoms than stimulant laxatives.
Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. It is best if you take your doses just after a meal. Never take a dose at bedtime.
Digestive distress: Psyllium fiber can create bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, cramping (and even diarrhea) due to the fact that it bulks the stool. That's why it's incredibly important to drink plenty of water with it.
Because psyllium slows down the digestion of food, people should take it with food, rather than on its own, so it has a greater effect on blood sugar levels ( 13 ).
When considering psyllium husk vs Metamucil, psyllium is also considered to be gentler on the stomach than Metamucil. This is attributed to it not containing artificial ingredients. Some people also find that psyllium husk is more effective at relieving constipation and promoting regulating bowel movements.