The little-known benefits of a fiber-rich diet

Fiber is essential for a healthy diet. It helps your digestive system move along smoothly, aiding in weight loss and helping you feel fuller longer. When you take a closer look at this unsung hero of the digestive system, you’ll find that there’s a lot more to fiber than just bowel movements.

Tips for a Fantastic, Fibrous Future: 

Start small: If you’re not used to consuming foods with a higher fiber content, hitting the ground running might not be the best idea. Too much fiber too fast can lead to bloating, discomfort, and constipation. Start with replacing one snack a day with a fiber-packed option (a banana, apple, or brown rice are good choices to start). And, instead of going to a full fiber cereal in the morning, make it half your regular cereal and half your fiber-rich option. Here is a list of foods that deliver on fiber.

When you can, skip the supplements: Any fiber is better than no fiber, but if possible, it’s best to get your fiber from the food in your diet rather than fiber supplements. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's best to get fiber from food, because supplements don't provide the vitamins, minerals, and satisfaction eating food provides. 

Serve with a side of water: Water is essential for fiber to work its best. Not enough water can lead to constipation. Keep things moving with the power couple of fiber and water.

Get ready to age backwards: Fiber can do some really impressive things: Fiber-rich foods like beans, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and whole grains come with a healthy dose of anti-aging and disease-fighting properties. According to research commissioned by the World Health Organization, “people who eat lots of high-fiber and whole grain foods have lower risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other chronic diseases than people whose diets are low in fiber.” 

Make long-term plans: It’s that simple: People who consume fiber live longer. A recent report found that people “who ate between 25 grams and 29 grams a day of fiber were less likely to die during any given time period than people who ate less fiber.”

If you are struggling with irregularity or other digestive health concerns, make an appointment with the experts at GI Associates by calling 715.847.2558 or filling out our online appointment request form today.