Photo: Artem Podrez

Can fiber heal the gut?

Fiber keeps your gut lining intact Your gut's microorganisms help maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal lining so it functions well and keeps you healthy. Fiber provides nourishment for your gut bacteria so they don't turn to your gut lining for food.

benefiber.com - Digestive Health: How Fiber Improves Gut Health - Benefiber

Can you have Coke Zero on keto?

The bottom line. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, or Coke Zero, recreates the Classic Coke flavor without any of the sugar or carbs. It does so by...

Last updated Nov 2, 2018

Can keto diet eat chocolate?

While 1 ounce (28 grams) of high quality dark chocolate can fit into a keto diet, a larger serving will likely exceed your limit. Dark chocolate...

Last updated Jan 27, 2021

Promotion

While it may not be the sexiest subject on the planet, getting enough daily fiber is very important for a healthy body. You’ve likely heard all about the health benefits of fiber and while these differ between fibers, they include keeping your bathroom visits on a regular schedule and helping you feel satisfied after meals to keeping your blood sugar stable and cholesterol in check. But fiber does more than keep your digestive system chugging along. It plays a key role in maintaining good gut health, which may impact your overall health and well-being. In particular, prebiotic fiber helps to support the function and maintenance of your gut microbiome, the complex community of microorganisms living in your digestive system. Here’s how.

Fiber and the Connection to Gut Health and Your Digestive Tract

1. Fiber feeds the good bacteria in your gut

There are trillions of microorganisms — some good, some bad — living in your digestive system. The healthy bacteria in your gut feed on fiber, so the more fiber you eat, the more good bugs flourish! In particular, your gut bacteria like a specific type of plant fibers called prebiotics. Prebiotics are commonly found in natural foods that contain a complex carbohydrate like fiber, and aren’t broken down by the digestive system. Instead, they pass through the digestive tract and enter the large intestines, where they’re fermented and eaten up by healthy bacteria. Prebiotics, which are naturally found in fruits and vegetables like onions, asparagus, bananas, artichokes, and whole-wheat foods, are often added to supplements to increase their gut-healthy properties. You can also find prebiotics in Benefiber, the No. 1 prebiotic fiber brand1. (It’s important to note that not all fiber supplements contain prebiotics!) According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women should consume 25 grams of fiber a day while men should consume 38 grams of fiber a day. For adults over the age of 50, women should aim for 21 grams while men should target 30 grams per day.

2. Fiber supports production of good-for-you compounds

What foods brings down blood sugar?

Best foods that help lower and control blood sugar Whole wheat bread. Fruits. Sweet potatoes and yams. Oatmeal and oat bran. Nuts. Legumes. Garlic....

Last updated Oct 26, 2021

How can I lose 20 pounds in a month?

How to Lose 20 Pounds as Fast as Possible Count calories. ... Drink more water. ... Increase your protein intake. ... Reduce your refined carb...

Last updated Mar 17, 2019

Promotion

As your gut bacteria noshes on fiber, it creates byproducts like short-chain fatty acids, which research suggests may be a factor linking your microbiota with a number of health benefits like better immune system function and lower inflammation. Researchers at UC Davis Health have also found that the short-chain fatty acids can signal your gut to shift its environment in a way that’s favorable to the growth of healthy bacteria.

3. Fiber keeps your gut lining intact

Your gastrointestinal tract is more than just an expressway for undigested food to exit your body. Think of it as a gatekeeper. The lining of the gut lets nutrients into your bloodstream while keeping “bad” bacteria and pathogens out. Your gut’s microorganisms help maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal lining so it functions well and keeps you healthy. Fiber provides nourishment for your gut bacteria so they don’t turn to your gut lining for food. Plus, fiber and your gut bacteria stimulate mucus production to help fortify your gut’s protective barrier.

4. Fiber balances your gut bacteria

Think of your gut microbiome as an orchestra that works together. Just like you can’t have an orchestra made up of just violinists, your gut microbiome can’t be made up of just one type of bacteria. You need a variety of different members all playing different roles yet working together harmoniously. Your diet is one of the main factors that influence the makeup of your gut microbiome and fiber helps maintain a diverse community of microorganisms in your gut. Increasing your fiber intake can alter the type of microorganisms in your gut in a few weeks.

1 IRI L52W W/E 09.22.19

benefiber.com - Digestive Health: How Fiber Improves Gut Health - Benefiber

What does Pregorexia mean?

Even though Pregorexia isn't an official diagnosis, it is a term that media came up with describe something very real. Pregorexia is when someone...

Last updated Jun 4, 2022

How do you reduce carbs in bread?

Cut back on refined grain bread While breads made with refined grains, like white bread, aren't always higher in carbs than whole grain breads, the...

Last updated Dec 18, 2020

Promotion

Where does the body store fat first?

Most people tend to accumulate fat either in their midsection or in their hips and thighs. But your genes, sex, age, and hormones could affect how...

Last updated Mar 29, 2019

Promotion

Why do you get flabby when losing weight?

When you lose or gain weight, you effectively stretch or shrink your skin. By reducing the fat that keeps skin stretched out, you will also weaken...

Last updated Nov 15, 2021