Many people don't have healthy fiber intakes. This is worrisome, as adequate fiber is necessary for optimal digestion and voiding. It may also help to prevent certain diseases. A healthy daily fiber intake may even help to facilitate weight loss, as eating fibrous foods leaves people feeling full for longer, which may make dieters less likely to snack on high-calorie foods.
Many people are unaware of just how much fiber they need on a daily basis, but experts typically recommend at least 20 to 30 grams of fiber each day. Unfortunately, however, the American Dietetic Association estimates that many people consume only about 11 grams of fiber daily. To get an adequate, healthy daily fiber intake, a person should eat plenty of roughage, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains; these foods do not fully digest in the body. Instead, a part of them exits the body as waste, taking other waste products along for the ride. They also absorb fluids on their way through the body, which helps to make the stools soft enough to pass through the body without discomfort.
Most people are familiar with the positive effect of fiber on bowel movements, but some doctors also think healthy daily fiber intake plays an important role in preventing diseases and disorders that affect the bowel, colon, and intestines. At the very least, a lack of adequate fiber leaves waste in the body much longer than it should remain there. Health experts have found that a healthy daily fiber intake is also important for lowering the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Healthy fiber intake may also help to lower a person’s risk of developing certain types of cancers. This is particularly true when high-fiber diets are combined with the consumption of low-fat foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
For those looking to up their intake of fiber and realize the benefits to their health, there are many ways to get more fiber. For example, a person may start with breakfast by consuming whole-grain breads and cereals, especially those containing nuts and fruits. Oatmeal is a popular choice among those who are striving for more intake, and beans, also fiber rich, can be consumed throughout the day. Likewise, fruit, particularly apples, adds a fiber punch and tastes good; it’s best to leave the skin on for maximum benefit. Potatoes, whole-grain pasta, and lentils are also good selections, and they are easy to add to lunch and dinner meals.
