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The health advantages of eating a fiber-rich diet -- including a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes -- have been in the headlines for years.
But if you're newly diagnosed with IBS, you may not be aware of fiber's value for treating IBS symptoms.
Daily fiber for good health
Dietary fiber promotes "regularity" in your digestive system.
It makes stools softer and larger, which reduces the intestine's stretching and straining.
Ultimately, fiber can reduce IBS pain and make bowel movements more comfortable.
Not everyone is able to eat enough high-fiber food each day, however, to realize fiber's full benefits.
New and improved fiber options
Fiber therapy is a way to get more fiber in addition to your regular meals. It's often a first-step management for constipation and diarrhea caused by IBS.
If you've had IBS for a while and been disappointed by your previous experiences with fiber products, you might be surprised by how many fiber options exist now. You can find fiber in different flavors and forms, from traditional powders to "soft chews" to caplets.
Get the facts on fiber. Discover other treatment approaches for IBS, too, such as medications, exercise, stress management and alternative approaches.
Could you benefit from more fiber?
Ask your doctor if fiber therapy should be part of your IBS symptom management and self-care plan. If you try it and it does ease your symptoms, incorporate it into your everyday routine. Fiber works best if you take it on a regular schedule.
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