Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Also called spastic colon, it is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any detectable organic cause.

IBS does not lead to more serious conditions in most patients. But it is a source of chronic pain, fatigue and other symptoms, and it increases a patient’s medical costs, and contributes to work absenteeism. Researchers have reported that the high prevalence of IBS, in conjunction with increased costs produces a disease with a high societal cost. It is also regarded as a chronic illness and can dramatically affect the quality of a sufferer’s life.

A study conducted by the Dutch, dealt with the effectiveness of bran as an alternative treatment for IBS. This aims to compare extra soluble fiber in psyllium and insoluble fiber in bran.

The study concluded the following findings:

1. Psyllium, a naturally-occurring vegetable fiber, had a beneficial effect, with symptoms being reduced by 90 points on a standard scale.
2. Patients taking bran saw a 58 point decrease, with the rate of early drop out from the study was highest in the bran group, with patients reporting that their symptoms had increased.
3. Placebo group had a 49 point decrease.

With these results, soluble fiber is more effective compared to insoluble ones. Although the insoluble fiber promotes movement of food and water in the intestines, the soluble fiber binds with fatty acids and prolongs stomach emptying time.

Good sources of soluble fiber include:

* Oats and oat bran
* Dried beans and peas
* Nuts
* Barley
* Flax seed
* Some fruits, eg. apples, oranges and strawberries
* Psyllium