This post is devoted to fiber, a topic few people would like to spend time talking about, but one that is nonetheless extremely important to your overall health and well-being. So sit back, relax, and enjoy getting a quick course of what fiber is, why it is important and how you can get enough of it in your diet to help you achieve optimal health.
Fiber… Are you Getting Enough?
The average American consumes 12 grams of fiber per day. In 1850 the average consumption was 25-30 grams, which is the same number that the American Cancer Institute recommends today. (Lipski 58) As the numbers illustrate most people today are falling short of reaching optimal levels.
Before addressing how to increase your fiber intake, I want to explain the two different types of fiber and what roles they play in the body. Essentially, dietary fiber is the non-digestible component of carbohydrates naturally found in plant food and is further broken down in the following two categories:
- Soluble fiber – is made up of polysaccharides (carbohydrates that contain three or more molecules of simple carbohydrates), and it does dissolve in water. Soluble fiber has the ability to bind with fatty acids and also prolong stomach emptying time so sugar can be released more slowly. This type of fiber helps to regulate blood sugar and also aids in lowering the total and LDL cholesterol counts. Soluble fibers are often viscous (gel-like consistency). Some examples are: psyllium husks, flax seed, glucomannan, oat bran, dried beans and peas, fruits (apples, pears, citrus fruits, berries, apricots, prunes), and vegetables (carrots, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes).
- Insoluble fiber – is mainly made up of plant cell walls, and it cannot be dissolved in water. Insoluble fibers move bulk through the intestines and also help to control and balance the bowel’s pH. The bulking action of insoluble fiber aids in alleviating constipation and also helps to sweep toxins out of the body. Insoluble fibers can be found the following foods: vegetables, such as green beans and dark leafy greens, fruit skins and root vegetable skins, whole wheat products, corn bran, nuts and seeds.
Here are some ways to add more fiber to your diet.
- Replace white flour products with whole grains.
- Consume at least 5 servings of vegetable and fruits daily.
- Switch from white rice to brown rice.
- Add beans to some of your meals.
- Take supplements, such as psyllium, flax seed or glucomannan.
Fiber even helps a person feel full and it can also aid in weight-loss – try consuming 35 grams of fiber daily.
Reference:
Lipski, Elizabeth. Digestive Wellness. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005.
Fiber, Fiber, OOH-AAH!
Fiber may not be the most fun thing to talk about, but it is nonetheless extremely important for achieving optimal health. Luckily, by making the simple dietary changes listed above, anybody can increase the fiber in their diets and dramatically improve their digestive and overall health.