About this topic
Dietary fiber helps many illnesses. It can help you if you cannot have a bowel movement or if you have loose stools. Fiber can also lower your risk of diabetes, and lung and heart problems. ‚
Fiber passes through your stomach whole and out of your body. You can find fiber in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. The fiber is the part of the food that your body cannot break down and absorb. ‚
There are two kinds of fiber: insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps you pass foods from the stomach through your stool easily. Soluble fiber draws water in and turns it to a gel-like form making digestion slow down. Both of these are important. ‚
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What will the results be?
A high fiber diet can help you with bowel problems. It can also help treat hemorrhoids and other colon problems. A high fiber diet can also help control your weight and blood sugar levels. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Try to get 20 to 35 grams of fiber in your diet each day. Most people in the U.S. only eat 15 grams of fiber daily.
- Drink at least 8 cups of fluid each day.
When is this diet used?
Your doctor may talk with you about this diet if you have belly problems. ‚
Who should use this diet?
Older children, young people, and adults can have this diet. ‚
Who should not use this diet?
Some people should not use this diet. Check with your doctor if you have: ‚
- Diverticulitis
- Active Crohns disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Bowel inflammation
- Certain types of GI surgery
Also, some children may not be able to get the right nutrients they need with this diet. Talk to your child's doctor before starting a high fiber diet. ‚
What foods are good to eat?
To get the most from fiber in your diet, eat a wide variety of high fiber foods. Vegetables and fruits are good sources of fiber. Some examples are lettuce, sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli, bananas, and dried fruits. Grains and dried beans are some other good sources of fiber. These include oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, black beans, chickpeas, whole wheat products, and wheat bran. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Sudden increase of fiber intake can lead to gas, pain, fullness in your belly, and loose stools.
- Do not eat too much fiber (more than 50 to 60 grams per day). Your body will not take in vitamins and minerals as well if you eat too much fiber.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse. ‚
Helpful tips
- Start slow as you add more fiber to your diet. This may help prevent gas or cramps.
- Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids each day when you are eating a high fiber diet.
- Try to eat the same amount of fiber each day. You may need a fiber supplement if you are traveling or away from home.
- Read food labels with care to learn about fiber levels.
- Get fiber from a mix of fruits and vegetables. Do not peel them before you eat them.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Gastroenterology ‚
http://patients.gi.org/topics/digestive-health-tips/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚