Fibers are naturally occurring substances found in plants. Dietary fibers are the ones that are included in the diet. Many health experts recommend including dietary fiber foods as part of a healthy diet.
Dietary fibers have been found to help in digestion. It speeds up the passage of foods through the digestive tract and adds bulk to the feces or stool. In addition, dietary fiber intake can help
Including fiber-rich foods in the diet is important. However, adding dietary fiber too much and too quickly is not advisable. Too much fiber all at once can lead to bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps. Health experts recommend that fiber should be introduced in the diet slowly so that the body can adjust. Also, drinking enough water is advised.
The recommended amount of fibers in the diet, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), is about 20 to 30 grams of fiber each day.
Related Topic: Constipation Relief with High Fiber Diet
Government Sources:
Dietary Fiber (December 2009). Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: December 2, 2009
What I need to know about Constipation (December 2008). National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Accessed: December 2, 2009
Food Sources of Selected Nutrients (July 2008). Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed: December 1, 2009
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Dietary fibers have been found to help in digestion. It speeds up the passage of foods through the digestive tract and adds bulk to the feces or stool. In addition, dietary fiber intake can help
control weightHigh fiber containing foods include fruits, such as raspberries, apples, and tangerine; vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower; and beans, wheat bran, and whole-wheat bread.
prevent constipation
promote regularity of bowel movement
lower blood cholesterol levels, and
even help lower the risk of diabetes.
Including fiber-rich foods in the diet is important. However, adding dietary fiber too much and too quickly is not advisable. Too much fiber all at once can lead to bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps. Health experts recommend that fiber should be introduced in the diet slowly so that the body can adjust. Also, drinking enough water is advised.
The recommended amount of fibers in the diet, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), is about 20 to 30 grams of fiber each day.
Related Topic: Constipation Relief with High Fiber Diet
Government Sources:
Dietary Fiber (December 2009). Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: December 2, 2009
What I need to know about Constipation (December 2008). National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Accessed: December 2, 2009
Food Sources of Selected Nutrients (July 2008). Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed: December 1, 2009
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