Fibre gives me bloating and loose bowels. - Bowel Disorders Message Board

Gavi112 · 06-07-2007, 02:42 AM

I keep reading that you should eat lots of fibre 25g a day but I have the opposite problem and if I eat more than 16g of fibre a day ( insoluble fibre) then i get severe gas. pressure and loose bowels overnight. I have always had good bowel movement and normally go to the toilet 3-4 times a day.

About 4 months ago i woke up one night with severe feeling of pressure around tummy button like a brick was sitting on it with lots of rumbling and poppings this went on for about an hour then I had very loose bowel movement and the pressure eased off a bit. I would then wake up a few hours later and same thing would happen again.

I have had sigmoidoscopy, coeliac test, occult blood and lots of bloodwork all normal/negative and full abdominal ultrasound which was same as last 10 years. I have some small gallstones but have had them for at least 10 years and as the gas and pressure is not painful just horribly uncomfortable and I know exactly what gallstones attack feels like this is not to do with them.

My consultant has said irritable bowel syndrome plus he advises that at a future date even if my gallstones are not bothering me I have gallbladder removed to prevent any possible complications.

I could not find any rhyme or reason to my gas/loose bowel attacks until my husband commented that I always get them when I have been eating healthily which means lots of organic wholemeal bread, green vegs and fruit.
When I counted up the fibre on the days when I have bad attacks at night my fibre level is always above 25g a day.

One Dr said some people just don't need fibre as their bowels work fast enough on their own!

I am now going to keep my fibre below the 16g and see if I get any more attacks.

Anyone have any thoughts on my being opposite of whats advised?

Booie98 · 06-07-2007, 05:16 PM

I cannot take excess fiber either...it upsets my stomach, etc...but I have found Miralax to be a great product.

Harry · 06-07-2007, 10:25 PM

Gavi,

There are 2 kinds of fibre -- insoluble and soluble both are needed for normal BMs.

Soluble fibre is the type that absorbs fluids and bulks up you stool but you need fluids. THis type also slows down your digestion / stools.

Insoluble does not absorb fluids but causes your intestines to contract and moves the digested food through your intestines.

All fruits and veggies are insoluble fibre-- also the bran from grains that is included in cereals and seeds and nuts.

Soluble fibre is the inner part of all grains, beans and peas. And, the root veggies like potatos including sweet potatos. carrots, beets and turnips. And most fibre supplements like psyllium in Metamucil, Citrurcel, Benefiber and Fiber Choice -- these arete brands names sold in the US.
I din't know what they are in the UK.

All meats, seafood and all dairy products contain NO fiber.

Gavi-- Your Dr is wrong -- It takes fibre and fluids to make bowels function + some exercise.

I wish you well---Harry

Harry · 06-07-2007, 10:33 PM

Booie,

Mirilax is a Laxative that recently just came of patent and is now sold OTC and you should not get dependant on laxatives.
They will make your bowels lazy and eventually not function.

It's OK for a short time but not long term use !!

I hope you find a better solution---Harry

camran · 06-09-2007, 03:36 AM

read my reply to '27 and desperate'. sounds like you could be allergic to certain foods, and actually just for the record fibre is not the answer to everything, my husband for one cannot tolerate it, it just seems that our generation are obssessed with it. look at your diet and see if it is high in lactose or fructose, you may need to cut down. also try eating much more fish and taking at least three tablespoons of olive oil with your food per day.
research has proved that fish oils and olive oil have a calming effect on the bowel. so give it a go. good luck