{"id":103967,"date":"2019-11-19T03:16:16","date_gmt":"2019-11-19T10:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/?p=103967"},"modified":"2023-05-08T03:00:05","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T10:00:05","slug":"eat-more-fiber-for-a-healthier-gut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/diet-nutrition\/eat-more-fiber-for-a-healthier-gut\/","title":{"rendered":"Eat More Fiber For A Healthier Gut"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Gut health <\/strong>is one of the most popular topics that is circulating the health world. The trillions of organisms, also known as your microbiome, in your gut help manage your overall health. Most people are unaware of the fact that these organisms or bacteria assist with healthy immune function, weight loss, and joint mobility. Recent research even indicates that a healthy gut may help ward off certain cancers and heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to keeping track of what you eat, many people are concerned with fats, sodium, proteins, sugars, and calories. While these are important to monitor, one thing that is often neglected is dietary fiber. Scientists have recently proclaimed that America is a constipated nation<\/a>, and this is in large part due to the fact that most Americans ignore their fiber intake. American adults consume an average of 15 grams of fiber per day, when the recommended\u00a0daily intake is 25 grams for adult women and 38 grams for adult men.<\/strong> Failure to meet these dietary recommendations has resulted in poor gut health<\/a>, obesity, and decreased immune function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scientific research has long since linked high-fiber diets to longevity and better health<\/a>.<\/strong> A 1960 review of Ugandans found that high-fiber vegetable diets helped them avoid common diseases that were brought by Europeans and Americans. Another study in the 1980s found that people in rural areas of Japan lived longer<\/a> than urban dwellers due to their increased fiber intake. More recently, a 2017 study found that fiber is connected to gut microbes and that healthy bacteria require fiber to function optimally.<\/strong> An increased number of gut microbes helps to reduce inflammation<\/a> and aid digestion. The microbiome can change by the month, by the day, or even by the meal, which is why scientists encourage the regular consumption of fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to maintain healthy fiber intake<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probiotics are beneficial strains of bacteria that work to fight harmful bacteria in the gut<\/a>.<\/strong> Most of these harmful bacteria are responsible for chronic inflammation and other gut-related issues. Many probiotics exist in foods<\/a> like sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented vegetables, miso, kombucha, and kefir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prebiotics are also essential to gut health, but they are often outshined by probiotics. Prebiotics actually help to feed the probiotics and other healthy bacteria in the gut. <\/strong>These gut bacteria love fiber, especially the following types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is insoluble fiber<\/strong>, which the body\u00a0does not\u00a0digest as it passes through the gut. It is commonly found in carrot peels, broccoli stems, asparagus stalks, and chewy parts of fruit that are often discarded. Peels, stems, and stalks are edible and crucial for maintaining gut health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These natural, high-fiber carbs are often found in onions, garlic, wheat, and other plant foods. Fructan fibers have a higher survival rate in the GI tract, and that is a good thing. <\/strong>One thing to remember is that heat breaks down fiber, meaning that cooking fructan-rich foods will kill the fiber content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to ditch the constipated ways and improve your gut microbiome, focus on consuming soluble and insoluble fiber. Both are necessary because each has its own functions and benefits for the body. Use the following tips to consume more fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Processed foods are often rich in refined grains and sugars, and devoid of fiber. Foods like white bread, pasta, and other enriched flour products are not beneficial for the gut. One of the best ways to consume fiber<\/a> is by drinking fruit and vegetable smoothies or juices.<\/strong> Both smoothies and juices help to regulate digestion<\/a> and inhibit blood sugar spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Natural fiber exists in all fruits and vegetables, meaning that you can\u2019t go wrong by consuming them. One thing to keep in mind, as we mentioned earlier, is that heat kills fiber, so try to limit high-heat cooking or focus on raw fruits and vegetables. You should also strive to eat seasonally to maintain a diverse gut microbiome. Seasonal produce is always more fresh and typically less expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you go out to eat, it\u2019s easy to forget about your diet and order whatever you want. Additionally, most unhealthy foods do not come with an array of fruits and vegetables. Try to pick entr\u00e9e salads, grain bowls, and bean or legume dishes to help meet your fiber requirement goals when you go out to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Do We Know About Fiber?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Probiotics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prebiotics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cellulose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fructans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Do We Eat More Fiber?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Processed Foods Are Horrible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Fruits And Vegetables Are Your Friends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Be Wise At Restaurants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Fiber Is Always First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n