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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fiber and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Finding the Right Balance

Fiber can help IBS — but it can also make it worse. What should you do?

Lauren Smith, MAMandy Armitage, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD
Updated on May 14, 2025
Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD | May 14, 2025

Fiber is often recommended for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But it can actually create problems for some people with IBS, especially if you increase fiber too quickly.

In this video, learn tips for including fiber in your diet to help manage IBS and avoid triggering symptoms.

References

MedlinePlus. (2022). Soluble vs. insoluble fiber.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Eating, diet, & nutrition for irritable bowel syndrome

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Mandy Armitage, MD
Reviewed by:
Mandy Armitage, MD
Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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