Fiber Fear? – 6 Reasons to Eat More Fiber
Did you know most people only consume about half the fiber they need each day for their body to function properly? The average American consumes only 10 to 15 grams daily of the recommended 25 to 35 grams.
Many people fear the effects of too much fiber and a potential restroom crisis. However, it has been shown that consuming the recommended amount of fiber may actually ease or reduce feelings of bloating, gas and bowel distress.
Here are 6 reasons why you should consider incorporating more fiber into your daily diet:
1. Fiber regulates your bowel movements and can relieve both constipation and diarrhea. Insoluble fiber sources such as wheat, corn and nuts, pull water from your colon to make your stool softer. Soluble fiber, as found in legumes and most fruits and vegetables, will absorb excess water in your stool making it more solid1.
2. Fiber helps lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and diverticular disease.
3. Fiber helps lower cholesterol, prevents insulin resistance and averts inflammation of the intestine.
4. Fiber helps your body process sugars so they don’t turn into fat.
5. Fiber helps satiety. Fiber will break down more slowly causing you to feel fuller longer2.
6. Fiber may reduce your risk for cancer, particularly colon cancer.
The American Dietetic Association recommends eating 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men. Make sure to gradually increase your intake of fiber until you are getting the recommended amount. Fiber will not only help keep you regulated but will help with your ageLOC TR90 weight management program.
1: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/diarrhea-diet-facts-about-fiber
2: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/dietary_fiber_importance.htm
