As we talk about nutrition these days, there’s lots of buzz about sugar and salt, along with things like calories and saturated fat. We know it’s good to limit these.
But fiber is one part of our diets that doesn’t get as much buzz, but it’s important.
We could call fiber the unsung hero of nutrition.
Fiber is otherwise known as the “bulk or roughage” found in plants. Dietary fiber is the kind that you eat. It’s a type of carbohydrate and comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water and becomes a gel, which slows digestion. Research shows that soluble fiber lowers cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke by 40 to 50 percent (compared to a low-fiber diet). Soluble fiber is found in:
Insoluble fiber appears to speed the movement of foods through the stomach and intestines and adds bulk to the stool. Insoluble fiber is recommended to treat digestive problems such as constipation, hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea and fecal incontinence. Insoluble fiber is found in foods such as:
Eating dietary fiber helps you feel fuller longer and therefore aids in control weight. Fiber also promotes digestion and helps prevent constipation. The National Institutes of Health have found increasing fiber intake also:
Dietary fiber provides similar benefits for children and adults.
Most of us don’t get enough fiber. We eat about 10 to 15 grams per day, but women should eat around 21 to 25 grams per day (the lower amount for women over age 50), and men 30 to 38 grams (the lower amount for men over age 50). The Dietary Guidelines give specific guidance about how much fiber is in many foods.
Take care to ease into adding more fiber to your diet. Too much too soon can result in digestive problems and discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight 8 oz. glasses daily, to aid in digestion.
Younger children will not be able to eat enough calories to reach the amounts we mentioned, but it’s a good idea to include whole grains, fresh fruits and other high-fiber foods in your child’s diet.
If you’re thinking of taking a fiber supplement, visit with a health care professional first. There are different types of supplements and their nutritional value varies. It’s generally considered best to get your fiber from foods.
A registered dietitian or your health care provider can give you reliable guidance about the right nutrition for you and how you can comfortably include more fiber in your diet.