Fiber has several health benefits. It can improve digestive health, lower cholesterol, help regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss.
Of course, it’s best to get your fiber from your diet as much as possible. But many people find it difficult to consume the recommended amount of dietary fiber each day (20-30 grams) and may need to take fiber supplements. But how do you know which one is best for you?
There are many different fiber supplements, and they come in several forms, from capsules to powders to chewable tablets to syrups. Most contain “functional fiber,” which is extracted from natural sources or made in a lab. These include compounds such as lignin, cellulose, pectin, gum and psyllium, which is the supplemental fiber that lowers “bad” cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Some manufactured fiber include polydextrose and polyols and maltodextrins.
It’s best to talk to your doctor about which type of fiber supplement they recommend for you, since it depends on your reason for taking fiber supplements as well as overall health.
Are fiber supplements effective?
There is concrete evidence that fiber found in supplements or fortified foods provides the same health benefits as naturally occurring food sources of fiber.
However, fiber supplements are usually aimed at preventing or treating constipation and typically not for reaping the other health benefits of fiber. Eating unhealthy foods and taking fiber supplements would not benefit your overall health because fiber supplements cannot and should not replace a healthy diet.
How to take fiber supplements safely
Your doctor can recommend both the type of fiber supplement to take for your condition, as well as how much you need to take each day. Adding 50 or more grams of fiber per day to your diet may affect the way your body absorbs nutrients.
In general, it’s best to go slow and gradually build up your fiber intake. If fiber is added to your diet suddenly and in excessive amounts, it can cause discomfort such as bloating, cramping and gas.
Since fiber supplements can interact with some medications or reduce their absorption, you should talk to your doctor if you are using:
- Heart medications
- Drugs used to treat:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen and penicillin
If you are already taking fiber supplements, make sure to inform your doctor whenever they prescribe a new medication. Most medications should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after eating fiber.
What foods are rich in fiber?
As mentioned above, it’s best to try to get your daily fiber intake from foods if possible. Examples of fiber-rich foods include:
- Wholegrain cereals, whole wheat pasta, wholegrain bread and oats, barley and rye
- Berries, pears, melon and oranges, strawberries and avocados
- Beets, broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn
- Peas and beans
- Nuts and seeds
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/high-fiber-foods.htm
https://www.webmd.com/diet/compare-dietary-fibers
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What Are the Benefits of Eating Strawberries?
Almost every family in America enjoys eating strawberries fruits due to their delicious taste. First cultivated in ancient Rome, these fruits have become one of the most popular berries worldwide.
What Are the Benefits of Raspberries?
Raspberries are edible fruits of a plant species in the genus Rubus. They are related to the rose family. They are one of the most popular berries in the world with their sweet-tart flavor and velvety texture. There are many types of raspberries, including black, purple and golden, but the red raspberry, or Rubus idaeus, is the most common.
What Foods Are Highest in Fiber?
Fiber is the roughage that your body cannot digest. It adds bulk to your food and has numerous benefits.
What Happens If You Have Too Little Fiber in Your Diet?
If you are not getting enough fiber through your diet, your body will exhibit clear warning signs like constipation and hemorrhoids.
What Is a Good High Fiber Breakfast?
A good high fiber breakfast may include whole grain bread items, cereals made from whole grains, bran or rolled oats, fruits and vegetables, wheat germ, whole wheat bread items, oatmeal, and almonds.
Why Are Whole Grains Better?
Grains are seeds of grass-like plants called cereals, such as corn, rice, and wheat. Grains may be refined or whole. Whole grain is the grain consumed without undergoing processing.