Dietitians have over the years emphasized the importance of consuming fibre. This is because a high-fibre diet can help your body in a number of ways. And, according to nutritionist Lovneet Batra, “A diet rich in fiber is essential for keeping the digestive system healthy. It is also related to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart problems, Diabetesand obesity. Dietary fiber is of two types- soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber improves digestion and balances blood sugar and cholesterol. This fiber is found in oats, chia seeds, barley and citrus fruits. On the other hand, insoluble fibers is found in vegetables, nuts, and beans. Even though fiber is healthy for the body, according to the health expert, “it should be increased slowly in the diet.” In addition, the water intake should also be increased.
(Also read: 5 Popular Foods That Are Loaded With Fiber,
Consuming too much fiber can have various side effects:
- Excess fiber can lead to a change in bowel movements.
- It may cause constipation or diarrhea.
- If you have too much fiber, you may suffer from bloating and gas.
- You may also experience abdominal pain.
- Fiber is a binding agent, meaning it can also lead to nutrient elimination before the body has a chance to absorb them, says the nutritionist.
Lovneet Batra also stated some conditions under which, you must avoid eating too much fiber and should stick to a low-fibre diet. A lot of fiber can irritate the digestive tract and flare up these existing conditions:
- IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Crohn’s disease.
- ulcerative colitis
- Irritation or damage in the digestive tract.
- Bowel narrowing due to a tumour.
- Recovery from gastrointestinal surgery like colostomy and ileostomy.
- Current radiation therapy or any other treatment which might affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Gut health requires a lot of care. It is important to figure out what your body needs and act accordingly. Don’t be misled by labels and try to understand your body’s responses.
(Also Read: Is Chikoo Good For Digestion? Here’s Why You Should Eat Sapota,
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information
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