Fiber - The best gift for Gut Health

It makes you full. It keeps your gut healthy. It can make you lose weight. Its the best gift ever. What is it?!

It’s FIBER!

Sounds pretty amazing, especially for a nutrient that doesn’t get the respect it deserves.

It’s kind of weird to think that a nutrient that moves through our system basically untouched can make such a difference … but it does!

And when your diet is a little “off” (as it tends to be when you are stressed), being consistent with your fiber intake can be a huge gift for your digestive tract.

Your gut – aka your digestive system – is filled with microbiota (tiny organisms) that affect your body in pretty much every way possible, from your mood to your bathroom habits and even aches and pains in various body parts.

Some of these organisms are better for you than others. Some boost your health and vitality … while others cause a breakdown inside your system. 

When the not-so-healthy microorganisms take over, you can run into trouble.

Here’s a quick example: 

A recent study found that when your microbes don’t get enough fiber, they can start to eat away at your gut’s protective mucus lining. Scientists believe this could lead to inflammation and disease. 

Basically, adding fiber appears to help stop that process.

Here’s a good article you can check out that explains it all in greater detail.

On top of that, fiber can help with your weight because it keeps you feeling full for hours after you eat.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests that women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 38 grams.

How to add more fiber to your breakfast:

1. Chia seeds
   1 tablespoon (14 grams) = 6 grams of fiber. (Tip: Soak your chia seeds for about a half-hour in a quarter-cup of liquid to create a pudding-like consistency.)
2. Rolled oats
   ½ cup (45 grams) = 4 grams of fiber. Cook in 1 cup of almond milk and toss in some berries.
3. Raspberries
   1 cup (125 grams) = 8 grams of fiber. (The same amount of blueberries = 4 grams fiber, strawberries = 3 grams fiber)
4. Black beans
   ¼ cup (42 grams) = 5 grams fiber. Add to your eggs or breakfast wrap.
5. Squash or pumpkin seeds
   1 oz (15 grams) = 5 grams of fiber. Add these to a smoothie or your oatmeal.

Now just a word of CAUTION: If you eat a low-fiber diet now, be sure to SLOWLY ramp up your fiber intake over the course of a few weeks. 

Also make sure you drink a little extra water when you bump up your fiber because it can soak up water in your system. You want to keep that fiber pushing through your digestive tract!

These are just some ideas to get you started! You might not feel the effect immediately, but over time your body will definitely thank you for the gift of fiber.

As always we’re here to help you with all your health and fitness goals. We’d be honored to be part of your wellness journey! 

Cheers!

 
REFERENCE:
www.scientificamerican.com/article/fiber-famished-gut-microbes-linked-to-poor-health1

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