IBSScientists estimate that about 20% of the adult population has irritable bowel syndrome.

According to the National Institute of Health irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, anddiarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not per manently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer.

If you or someone you know has it, here’s some new research you should know about.

People with the chronic condition known as irritable bowel syndrome may find relief by consuming soluble fiber (psyllium).

But they’ll get no relief — and perhaps more bowel upset — from bran, a new Dutch study found.

The researchers found psyllium to be most effective in treating IBS. The people taking soluble fiber experienced about double the relief as from bran or a placebo. In fact, Bran showed “no clinically relevant benefit,” the researchers said in a news release. In fact, many patients couldn’t tolerate the bran and this group experienced the highest dropout rate.

Both soluble and insoluble fiber are undigested. They are therefore not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead of being used for energy, fiber is excreted from our bodies. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber does not. Insoluble fiber passes through our intestines largely intact.

Below are some sources of soluble fiber:

 Oat/Oat bran

 Dried beans and peas

 Nuts

 Barley

 Flax seed

 Fruits such as oranges and apples

 Vegetables such as carrots

 Psyllium husk

Since all of these foods are otherwise good for you, it might make sense to include them in your diet and keep away from the bran if you’ve got IBS.

Have a healthy day,

Larry Berman