Benefits of Increasing Fibre In Your Diet
CityLife HEALTH
WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods
Benefits of Increasing Fibre In Your Diet
Vince Pappalardo
: wholelife.com.au
Co-Founder and Pharmacist
Fibre is an essential component of a healthy diet and plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It helps regulate the speed of digestion and promotes regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation. Additionally, fibre can also help lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Some excellent sources of fibre include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and bran. For example, a single serving of whole grain bread can contain up to 4 grams of fibre, while a serving of raspberries can provide up to 8 grams of fibre.
The recommended daily fibre intake for adults is about 25-30 grams. However, this can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and level of physical activity. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate fibre intake for your individual needs.
One common misconception is that fibre causes bloating and discomfort. While it’s true that increasing fibre intake too quickly can cause digestive discomfort, this can be prevented by gradually increasing fibre intake and drinking plenty of water to help the fibre move through the digestive system smoothly. Another misconception is that fibre is only found in high-carbohydrate foods like bread and pasta. While these foods can be good sources of fibre, it’s important to remember that fibre can also be found in many other foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
One easy way to increase fibre intake in your diet is to start each day with a high-fibre breakfast, such as a bowl of whole grain cereal or oatmeal with fruit. Additionally, try to include a variety of high-fibre foods in your meals and snacks, such as raw or cooked vegetables, whole grain bread, and nuts. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to help the fibre move through the digestive system smoothly.
Some people suffer from digestive issues or food intolerances or allergies and consuming enough fibre in their diet can be a constant challenge for them. But there are so many products currently available to give you that extra support such as Metamucil and Benefibre to name a few of the most popular ones that we sell in our stores.
