- There are two types of fiber, and consequently two types of fiber supplements; these are soluble and insoluble fibers.
- Both types of fiber may help you to lose weight.
- Soluble fiber is an effective weight loss aid because it is digested very slowly in comparison to most other foods.
There are many potential benefits to consuming 25 grams (for women) and 38 grams (for men) of fiber per day.
However, many people struggle to meet this rate of intake and rely on fiber supplements for assistance.
Fiber supplements provide a wide range of benefits to improve your overall health and have the capacity to help you lose weight when taken with meals.
Of course, no supplement regimen is complete without a solid workout plan. Sign up for a PRO account today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!
How Will Fiber Curb My Appetite When Taken With a Meal?
The way fiber supplements work to help you lose weight is by acting as an appetite suppressant. An old trick to curb your appetite is to drink two glasses of water prior to eating a meal.
The purpose of this method is to fill the body with a low-calorie substance before consuming foods of greater calorie levels so that you feel full after eating a smaller portion than usual of the latter. Taking a fiber supplement before a meal is actually more effective than water.
There are certain qualities of fiber that make it particularly good as an appetite suppressant.
It takes a long time to digest, which means your body will quickly feel full.
Fiber also tends to release glucose into the blood at a moderate rate, which reduces the likelihood of feeling hungry soon after consuming it.
Will All Fiber Supplements Help Me Lose Weight?
Yes, though the degree of effectiveness is dependent on the type of supplement that you take. There are two types of fiber, and consequently two types of fiber supplements; these are soluble and insoluble fibers.
Both types of fiber may help you to lose weight. Soluble fiber can absorb liquids and helps to lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels. This type of fiber is found in foods like legumes, berries, and citrus fruit.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in your body and does not absorb liquids. This type of fiber helps to keep your digestive system in working order and your bowel movements regular. Insoluble fiber is found prominently in oats, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
Check out the Livestrong website for some more information about the two types of fiber and the different ways that they affect the body.
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Sign UpHow Will Soluble Fiber Supplements Help Me Lose Weight?
Though either type of supplement can help you to shed some pounds, soluble fiber is the best option. Because soluble fiber absorbs water and nutrients, it gains mass after being consumed, which causes your stomach to feel especially full.
Another reason why soluble fiber is an effective weight loss aid is that it is digested very slowly in comparison to most other foods. Consequently, your body’s blood glucose level rises at a slower rate than usual.
This means that the energy provided by soluble fiber lasts longer, and is available to your body for an extended period of time. You are likely to feel full for a long time after consuming it.
For some additional information regarding soluble fiber’s role as a weight-loss tool, take a look at the CalorieLab website.
How Will Insoluble Fiber Supplements Help Me Lose Weight?
Insoluble fiber can help you to lose weight, though the effect is lessened when the fiber is taken as a supplement. Because insoluble fibers are usually found in the skins of fruits and vegetables, the chewing time taken to consume them is lengthier than most other foods.
This helps to prevent overeating because you are able to eat less food during the period of time before your stomach tells your brain that your body is full, which is approximately twenty minutes.
As a supplement, the effectiveness of this quality is all but lost. Because insoluble fiber usually comes in capsule or pill form, the amount of time taken to consume it is negligible.
However, insoluble fiber supplements should not be written off entirely. Because insoluble fiber is not dissolved after consumption, it tends to clear out a large amount of waste on its way through the body.
This means that insoluble fiber takes the waste with it as it exits your body during bowel movements. It also means that if you regularly consume insoluble fiber your bowel movements should become more frequent. This will help you to lose weight and feel less bloated regardless of the form of the insoluble fiber that you consume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to take supplements?
Unless your doctor has instructed you to take certain supplements, you do not have to take them.
Are supplements safe?
Whether or not dietary supplements are safe to take depends on a number of factors. Learn more about the safety of supplements here.
What supplements do I need to take?
No one can answer that aside from your doctor. To learn more about the various supplements that doctors commonly recommend, check out this article.
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