On food labels, there are different kinds of fiber. which kind is beneficial, which don't make a difference, and which just gives you gas?

Dietary fiber: Pectin and gum are water-soluble fibers found inside plant cells. They slow the passage of food through the intestines. Beans, oat bran, fruit and vegetables contain water-soluble fiber. In contrast, fibers in cell walls are water insoluble. These include cellulose, hemicellulose anand lignin. Such fibers increase fecal bulk and speed up the passage of food through the digestive tract.

Fiber is good: All fiber is good. Soluble may be better than insoluble but both work. Gas is accompaniment of fiber but is dose related. Find the amount that works for you. High fiber cereals that contain 5 to 10 g of fiber per serving are easily tolerated. Very high fiber cereal (like fiber one and all bran) that contain 12-14 g of fiber per serving, especially if you eat double servings, will cause gas.