Which dietary modification is listed as helpful for IBS?

• A. Increase fiber intake
• B. Decrease dairy, sugar, coffee
• C. No cabbage, beans, cruciferous vegetables
• D. Avoid all fruits

Answer: (A)

Dietary management of IBS often centers on how the gut handles fiber and triggers. Increasing soluble fiber helps because it absorbs water and forms a gentler bulk in the stool, which can normalize bowel movements and lessen both constipation and diarrhea symptoms. Soluble fiber, such as psyllium, tends to ease stool passage and reduce abdominal discomfort when added gradually with adequate fluids. It’s important to introduce fiber slowly, since a sudden large increase can worsen bloating or gas.

Other options can help some people but aren’t as consistently beneficial across IBS patients. Reducing dairy, caffeine, or simple sugars may relieve symptoms in those with specific sensitivities or intolerances, but they don’t address the bowel-regulation aspect as directly as soluble fiber does. Avoiding all cabbage, beans, or cruciferous vegetables or eliminating all fruits isn’t a standard, universally beneficial approach and can deprive you of nutritious foods while not resolving the underlying irregularity in bowel patterns.