The benefits of fiber for your body have been well known for many years.
With today’s busy lifestyles and various diet restrictions, it can be difficult to get your daily fiber requirements.
There are several sites that offer inexpensive fiber supplements but it is important to stick with well-known outlets selling name brand merchandise.
To find them cheaply online you should shop around and compare prices and quality before you buy.
Of course, supplementation is only one part of an overall healthy lifestyle; exercise matters, too. Go PRO today for access to workout routines, goal trackers, and more.
What Is Fiber?
Everyone from your doctor to your neighbor recommends that you get more fiber in your diet. However, it is not always easy to eat the right foods, or even know what they are.
Although real food is better for maximum fiber benefits, supplements can help give you the extra fiber that may be lacking in your diet. You also should read the label to be sure the supplements do not contain extra sugar or any artificial substances.
It may help to understand more about dietary fiber. With so many people promoting a high-fiber diet, you may find it surprising to learn that your body actually cannot process fiber.
- It is a carbohydrate that comes from most of the food we grow. Ideally, healthy adults need approximately 30 grams of fiber every day.
- Fiber is primarily found in all the healthy stuff you should have on your plate anyway, such as fruit, vegetables, and grains. Some simple ways to obtain more fiber is to substitute a food already in your diet for a fiber-rich choice.
- For example, eat an apple instead of drinking apple juice, or have brown rice instead of white rice. Adding more beans to your recipes or in soups is a convenient way to get more fiber.
- You can also look for products that include the words “whole grain” on the package. There are new ones every day, especially cereals and breads.
- Some high-fiber foods are also low in calories. Reading labels is key as you want foods that contain at least two grams of fiber per serving.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are two types of fiber, both of which have numerous health benefits. The kind that can be softened by water is called soluble fiber and helps your body decrease sugar and fat quantities.
The other category is insoluble fiber, which cannot be broken up by water and is good for those who suffer from bowel problems. It is important to include both in a healthy diet.
Get More Out of Your Health and Fitness Routine. Go PRO!
Sign Up
What Is the Role of Fiber in Human Health?
There are several ailments that can be avoided by eating more fiber, such as hardening of the arteries and intestinal problems. It may help to think of fiber as a broom that sweeps through your system and cleans it out.
Fiber is not digested by stomach acid like other substances. For this reason, fiber is often referred to as roughage.
The microorganisms in your colon do have an effect on fiber. The soluble form is turned into a gel-like substance while the insoluble variety proceeds to be excreted and adds more weight to your waste for easier bowel movements.
How Does Fiber Help Bodybuilders?
Fiber has been linked to weight loss in a number of studies. It has been proven that eating more fiber helps you feel fuller faster so you eat less.
This means that when you are working out and expending energy, there are fewer calories being consumed plus more activity, which leads to weight loss. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn; eating fiber and gaining lean muscle work to maintain your weight.
In order to highlight the definition in your muscles, you must get rid of any excess fat that surrounds them. Whether you lift weights for competitions or just to look and feel better, staying fit is crucial.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Fiber?
Too much fiber can make you flatulent or cause a bloated feeling because of the bacteria in your colon which reacts to it. This can usually be solved by just decreasing your fiber intake until you find the right amount for your body. It is also wise to drink plenty of fluids with your fiber.
Remember, exercise is also an important component of your overall health. If you are looking for an exercise routine, look no further. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.