Fiber….Please Eat It
Fiber ping pongs between hot topic and old news on about a two year cycle. It’s at least someone it an upswing at the moment, so let’s get into it.
Why is fiber important?
Fiber is is the thing that keeps your digestive tract and gut brain happy. Found in fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes, fiber comes in two types: soluble (think oatmeal and beans) and insoluble (think whole grains and nuts). Soluble fiber is great for keeping your gut biome happy, while insoluble fiber acts like a broom for your digestive tract, sweeping away all the nasties. I know, there are a million “gut microbiome” fixing products, but unless they have at least a few grams of fiber, I wouldn’t fool with them.
The Perks of Getting Your Fiber Fix
Gut Health: Fiber is basically the bouncer of your intestines, keeping things moving and grooving. If you’ve ever felt like your stomach was throwing a protest, it’s time to give it some fiber love.
Weight Management: Want to feel fuller without feeling like a bloated balloon? Fiber to the rescue! It fills you up without adding extra calories. It’s like eating a salad that never ends. (Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea.)
Blood Sugar Control: If you’re tired of sugar crashes ruining your day, fiber is your friend. It slows the absorption of sugar, which keeps cravings in check.
Heart Health: Eating fiber can also help lower cholesterol levels.
I know you’re excited and down to smash some chia seeds and beans, but proceed with caution!
Plan to increase your daily fiber intake over the course of a few weeks. You can imagine it might be a tad uncomfortable going from 5g per day to 25g. Start slow, and play around with different fiber sources.
All that being said, cheers to both you and your gut!
