John Myers
Fiber is essential for a balanced and healthy diet. However, most people tend to eat too little rather than too much fiber. For healthy people, at least 30 grams a day is recommended. On average, however, not even 20 grams are ingested through food.
Dietary fibers are roughly divided into two groups:
- Water-soluble dietary fiber: mainly found in the peel of fruit and vegetables
- Water-insoluble dietary fiber: mainly found in cereals
The two fiber groups affect the digestive system differently. Too much water-soluble fiber can cause diarrhea and bloat in some people. The fiber in fruit and vegetables swells up in the intestines, increasing the volume of the stool and making it more slippery. What can be helpful for constipation is rather counterproductive for diarrhea. The dietary fibers from grated apples or boiled carrots are an exception here: They can transport the diarrhea pathogens out of the body.
Other people, on the other hand, are sensitive to the water-insoluble fiber found in grains. Here, the frequent consumption of whole grain products can lead to flatulence. The problem can be solved quite simply by adjusting the diet.
If you are otherwise healthy, you should never switch to a low-fiber diet. It also often helps to chew food slowly and thoroughly and to drink plenty of water with food.
Facebook Comments