We all know that dietary fiber is good for us. It helps to keep us regular, provides essential nutrients, and has even been linked with a lower risk of heart disease and some cancers. However, there are times when dietary fiber can actually be bad for us.
Too much dietary fiber can actually lead to constipation, as it can bind with water in the intestine and form a solid mass. This can be particularly problematic for those with IBS or other bowel disorders.
In addition, very high fiber intakes can also reduce the absorption of essential nutrients like calcium and iron. So if you’re eating a diet that’s high in fiber, be sure to balance it out with foods that are rich in these nutrients.
Finally, remember that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. If you find that you’re not tolerating dietary fiber well, it’s best to speak to a doctor or nutritionist to find a plan that’s right for you.
Dietary fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods that travel through our digestive system relatively intact. Fiber is classified as soluble, which dissolves in water, or insoluble, which doesn’t. Both types are good for us, and we should aim to consume around 30 grams of fiber each day.
Fiber has many benefits for our health. It helps to keep us regular, can lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Fiber is also thought to decrease the risk of some cancers, including bowel cancer.
However, there are a few situations where fiber might not be good for us. For example, if we have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fiber can make our symptoms worse. People with IBS should talk to a registered dietitian or their doctor to figure out how much fiber they can tolerate.
Another situation where fiber might not be beneficial is if we’re trying to lose weight. This is because fiber can add bulk to our food and make us feel full, which can lead to us eating less. However, it’s still important to include some high-fiber foods in our diet as they offer other health benefits.
In general, dietary fiber is good for us and we should aim to include it in our diet. However, there are a few situations where it might not be beneficial. If we have IBS or are trying to lose weight, we should speak to a registered dietitian or our doctor to figure out how much fiber is right for us.
