Dietary fibers (fibres) play a big role on the regularity of bowel movement. They help to speed up the passage of foods through the digestive tract. Fibers obtained in the diet can help form bulk and help soften the stool as it passes through the large intestine.
What are dietary fibers?
Fibers are normal substances found in plants. Dietary fiber is the kind that people eat. It is found in variety of fruits and vegetables. Also, it is found in whole grains and bran cereals, and nuts.
While there are many sources of dietary fibers, most people do not consume enough of these fibers. In the United States, Americans consume an average of 5 to 14 grams of fiber daily, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The American Dietetic Association recommends eating 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day.
Although the body cannot digest fibers, it is still an important part of a healthy diet. Dietary fibers add bulk in the diet, making you feel full much faster. This, in a way, may help you control your weight. In addition to helping you with digestion, eating dietary fibers can also help prevent constipation.
Types of Dietary Fibers
There are two types of fibers that can be part of a diet: soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fibers can easily dissolve in water and takes on a soft, gel-like consistency in the intestines. Insoluble fibers, on the other hand, almost do not change as it passes through the digestive tract. The bulk and soft texture of fiber help promote regularity of bowel movement by making the large intestine work and preventing hard and dry stool, which are difficult to pass.
Suggested Readings
Sources:
Dietary Fiber. Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: December 4, 2009
Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Accessed: December 3, 2009
What I need to know about Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Accessed: December 3, 2009
Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
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What are dietary fibers?
Fibers are normal substances found in plants. Dietary fiber is the kind that people eat. It is found in variety of fruits and vegetables. Also, it is found in whole grains and bran cereals, and nuts.
While there are many sources of dietary fibers, most people do not consume enough of these fibers. In the United States, Americans consume an average of 5 to 14 grams of fiber daily, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The American Dietetic Association recommends eating 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day.
Although the body cannot digest fibers, it is still an important part of a healthy diet. Dietary fibers add bulk in the diet, making you feel full much faster. This, in a way, may help you control your weight. In addition to helping you with digestion, eating dietary fibers can also help prevent constipation.
Types of Dietary Fibers
There are two types of fibers that can be part of a diet: soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fibers can easily dissolve in water and takes on a soft, gel-like consistency in the intestines. Insoluble fibers, on the other hand, almost do not change as it passes through the digestive tract. The bulk and soft texture of fiber help promote regularity of bowel movement by making the large intestine work and preventing hard and dry stool, which are difficult to pass.
Suggested Readings
- How Much Fiber Should You Consume?
- All About Dietary Fibers
- Constipation Relief With High Fiber Diet
Sources:
Dietary Fiber. Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: December 4, 2009
Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Accessed: December 3, 2009
What I need to know about Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Accessed: December 3, 2009
Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
[Top of Page]
