Irritable bowel syndrome and dietary fiber
1979
Achord, James L.
Epidemiologic data comparing global differences in prevalence of certain diseases with the fiber content of diets suggest a possible relationship. Although a lack of dietary fiber has been incriminated in many ailments, a causal role in diverticulosis is more likely than in irritable bowel syndrome, appendicitis, cancer of the colon, hiatal hernia, inguinal hernia, hemorrhiods, gallstones, diabetes mellitus, or atherosclerosis. The effects of an increase in dietary fiber include: 1) more frequent stools; 2) more voluminous stools; 3) an alteration in the fecal flora; 4) an increase in fecal sterol excretion; and 5) a reduction in intraluminal pressures in the sigmoid colon. Few meaningful comparisons of the effects of high-fiber vs. low-fiber intake in irritable bowel syndrome have been undertaken. The prevalence of the syndrome is so high that a real possibility exists that the environment, including the diet, may be responsible for symptoms that may otherwise not exist.
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