Treating and Preventing Disease With Dietary Fiber
posted by Lehi Willowcreek Family Medicine | April 20, 2018
The right fiber consumption can help with a number of medical areas, including:
Proper Fiber Consumption Levels
In general, the basic recommendation for healthy people is to consume between 25 and 35 grams of fiber per day. Per the Mayo Clinic, more specific recommendations based by gender are as follows:
If you’re below these thresholds and looking to increase your fiber intake, it’s best to do so in a gradual manner. This will help you avoid certain side effects that can come with eating too much too quickly, which can include bloating and significant flatulence in many cases. Look for ways to slowly increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products.
One caution here: beware of many of the products out there labeled as “whole grain.” These products are often labeled this way despite containing very little actual fiber; you need to look beyond those claims and spend time actually examining the food labels before purchasing. Look for products that have at least three grams of fiber per serving.
For a list of foods that are high in fiber and the appropriate serving sizes, this resource is good to keep on hand. Your doctor can offer additional recommendations on your fiber intake and how it might help with various conditions.
Our providers take time to listen and communicate clearly with each patient, and our professional and courteous staff provides quality, personalized care for all of our patients’ general health and medical needs. We specialize in weight control, depression management, skin care, hormone replacement, cardiac conditions and cholesterol management. We strive to provide our patients and their families with quality healthcare services and respect their right to participate in all treatment decisions.
Sources:
“Treating and preventing disease with dietary fiber.” American Family Physician. http://afpjournal.blogspot.com/2018/02/treating-and-preventing-disease-with.html
“Nutrition and healthy eating.” The Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.