You have most likely heard that increasing your fiber is essential for gut health but did you know that fiber has NUMEROUS other health benefits including suggestions for improvement in the immune system? Now is a great time to work on increasing your fiber intake to help improve your immune defenses. The benefits do not stop there. Studies have shown that diets rich in fiber have been shown to lead to:
- Decreased risk colon cancer
- Improvements in intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s Disease
- Improved gut microbiome diversity
- Improved lung function in COPD patients
- Decreased risk of diabetes
- Decreased risk of heart disease
- Decreased cholesterol levels
- Improved response from the immune system
- Increased satiety leading to weight loss
- Decreased cancer risk
Great Fiber Sources:
Vegetables:
- Sweet potato
- Artichoke
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brussel sprouts
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Dark leafy greens
- Beets
- Zucchini
- Avocado
- Cabbage
- Tomatoes
Fruits
- Raspberries
- Apples
- Pears
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Citrus
Beans
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Chickpeas
Nuts
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Brazil nuts
Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
Whole Grains
- Quinoa
- Amaranth
- Barley
- Brown Rice
- Oats
Recommended Daily Fiber Amounts
Varies with age
- Women
- < 50 years old = 25 grams
- > 50 years old = 21 grams
- Men
- < 50 years old = 38 grams
- > 50 years old = 31 grams
How to increase your fiber?
- Add vegetables to every meal- fill ATLEAST half of your plate with produce!
- Eat WHOLE fruits instead of fruit juice
- Try overnight oats for breakfast
- Make a salad for a meal. Start with leafy greens and add vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans (such as lentils, chickpeas or black beans).
- Snack on vegetables, fruits, nuts, popcorn
- Avoid processed foods
- Avoid white flour, white bread
- Wash your vegetables and KEEP THE SKINS ON of vegetables such as winter squash (acorn, Kabocha, Delicata), potatoes, carrots
Important Tips:
When increasing your fiber intake, it is important to increase slowly to avoid possible side effects such as gas, stomach ache/cramping, bloating, nausea, constipation and diarrhea.
Another important factor with fiber intake is hydration! Increasing fiber too quickly can lead to dehydration as water is taken back into the intestines. Drink plenty of water!