The Fiber Factor: How Different Types of Fiber Impact Irritable Bowel Disease

IBD, or Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, is a disorder in the human digestive system, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, that largely affects a person's lifestyle. People suffering from this ailment need to consult a GI Doctor in Virginia Beach to help improve their symptoms and regulate their digestion process. 

Among the various procedures involved in irritable bowel disease treatment in Virginia Beach, one is making dietary changes in a patient's routine. One major dietary change that specialists suggest is increasing their fiber intake to manage the symptoms.

In this article, you will learn about the different kinds of dietary fiber and their impact on IBS. Also, you will learn how much fiber is enough for a person suffering from Irritable Bowel Disease.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Fiber

Dietary fiber contains non-digestible carbohydrates and a complex polymer, lignin, in plants. It has been used in the treatment of chronic gastrointestinal conditions for a long time. 

IBS is believed to be caused mainly by a lack of dietary fiber intake. For this reason, the doctors suggest an increased fiber intake in people suffering from this condition.

Fiber is a nutrient derived from plants and is known to have a high content of roughage that aids digestion and promotes sound bowel movement. It is present in plant foods, like:

• Vegetables
• Grains
• Nuts
• Fruits

However, studies show that different types of IBS influence the body differently. Variations in the chemical and physical structure of the fiber characterize these types. 

Different Types of Dietary Fiber 

1. Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber

Soluble fibers are plant-derived water-soluble foods that contain high content of digestive bacteria. The bacteria break the fiber into byproducts and gasses, like short-chain fatty acids. The common sources of soluble fibers are:

• Legumes, beans, and peas
• Root vegetables
• Carrots and broccoli
• Barley
• Oats
• Fruits

Alternatively, the insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It adds bulk and volume to stool, enhancing bowel movement when food passes through the digestive system. The common sources of insoluble fiber are:

• Seeds and nuts
• Avocado
• Banana
• Apple
• Whole grains

2. Fermentable vs. Non-fermentable Fiber

Fermentable fibers are short-chain fibers that lead to rapid gas production, which can influence the capacity of the gastrointestinal tract for absorbing gas into the bloodstream to finally eliminate it through the lungs. Some of the common sources of fermentable fiber are:

• Legumes
• Beans
• Corn

Non-fermentable fibers are long-chain, intermediate viscous, moderately fermentable, and soluble fibers. They lead to low production of gas and stay in the body for a longer time. The common sources of non-fermentable fiber are:

• Psyllium
• Cereal
• Orange
• Apple

According to various studies and expert gastrologists in Virginia Beach, intake of soluble and non-fermentable fiber is good for managing IBS symptoms. 

Impact of Dietary Fiber on IBS

Laxative Effects

Consuming insoluble dietary fiber increases fecal mass. It promotes colonic transit through mechanical stimulation of the colonic mucosa with peristalsis and increasing secretion. The fiber is fermented by bacteria within the large intestine that increases the stool bulk by adding biomass, like short-chain fatty acids and gas. 

The sensation and oro-anal transit time are influenced by such changes and through other effects on immune cells, microbiota, enteric nervous system, permeability, and intestinal endocrine cells. The soluble fiber is minimally fermented and develops a gel, which is preserved through the large bowel and maintains a normal stool form.

Interacting Dietary Fiber with Immune System and Microbiota

Dietary fiber functions like a prebiotic, which affects the structure of the intestinal microbiota. It helps to suppress chronic inflammation in the following ways:

• By inducing T-cell apoptosis to eliminate its source of inflammation
• By suppressing the interferon-mediated inflammation

Dietary Fiber Impact on the Neuroendocrine System of the Gastrointestinal Tract

The gastrointestinal tract consists of gastrointestinal, endocrine cells scattered between the mucosa's epithelial cells. The cells have specialized sensors that project inside the lumen and revert to luminal stimuli by releasing hormones.

Each cell secretes signaling substances in the lamina propria, where the substances act on nearby structures. They regulate various gastrointestinal tract functions, like motility, sensation, local immune defense, food intake, and absorption. 

The NES components interact with each other, the efferent nerve fibers, and the autonomic nervous system. Dietary fiber improves the symptoms in patients with IBS, like abdominal bloating, pain, or discomfort, and changes bowel movements by affecting the NES. 

The short-chain fatty acid formed by the fermentation of dietary fiber affects numerous intestinal hormones, like glucagon and peptide. Also, they stimulate the absorption of electrolytes and water. 

Including Fiber in a Low FODMAP Diet

Along with increasing fiber intake, gastroenterology consultants in Virginia Beach may suggest a low FODMAP diet.

It is an abbreviated word for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols that are highly fermentable. A FODMAP diet has a low level of such substances. 

Many studies reveal that a low FODMAP diet is more effective for managing IBS systems than a standard diet. 

Maintaining Fiber Intake with IBS

Gastroenterologists usually suggest patients with IBS increase their consumption of dietary fiber to 20-35g daily for regulating the stools and reducing meteorism and abdominal pain. 

Following a diet with intermediate viscous, moderately fermentable, and long-chain fiber enhances the global symptoms of IBS.

Including fiber supplements in your diet is safe, though transient abdominal distention or bloating can occur. Recommending fiber supplementation to patients with IBS is also cost-effective while offering fruitful results in managing the IBS symptoms.

On a Concluding Note,

Dietary Fiber influences bowel habits by increasing the stool bulk through mechanical stimulation of the colonic mucosa. Fiber fermentation by intestinal microbiota reduces the luminal pH and generates byproducts like short-chain fatty acids and gas. Besides this, including fiber in your diet provides additional benefits like improving glycemic control, managing body weight, and lowering the blood cholesterol level. 

If you are still confused about introducing dietary fiber to manage your IBS symptoms, consider irritable bowel disease constipation treatment in Virginia Beach. You can easily manage your IBS symptoms and live a healthy lifestyle by speaking to a specialist and gaining a personalized treatment approach.