Question: My doctor recommended I begin to eat high fiber foods to help control my IBS. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: High fiber foods can be helpful in controlling certain types of IBS so high fiber foods are not for everyone with IBS. Some high fiber foods include:

  • Whole grain foods such as bran cereals and breads.
  • Fresh fruits. Eat as much the fruit as possible. For example do not peel an apple.
  • dried or stewed fruits like apricots, prunes, and raisins.
  • Vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and potatoes.
  • Raw vegetables such as cabbage.
Eating an all bran cereal in the morning can be an easy way to add fiber to your diet. With one bowl of a high fiber cereal it is possible to increase your fiber intake enough so you do not have to change your diet significantly.
You should also ask your doctor about taking a dietary fiber supplement. This is usually in a powdered form and can be mixed with water. This is especially useful if you dislike a lot of high in fiber foods.
High fiber foods are a good way to help alleviate some of the symptoms caused by your IBS. Research has also shown that herbal supplements can be very effective in treating your IBS symptoms.