Photo: Teona Swift

Does fiber give you energy?

When our gut bacteria break down fiber, they produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Humans can digest SCFAs for energy, and a symbiotic relationship between the digestive system and our colon's microbiome ensues. Ultimately, for every gram of fiber we consume, we receive two calories of energy in the form of SCFAs.

sph.umich.edu - 4 Ways Fiber Benefits Your Health | The Pursuit

What to expect from your first juice cleanse?

The first day of your juice journey can be the most difficult. You might experience some unpleasant side effects such as headaches, fatigue or...

Last updated Apr 10, 2019

What Vitamin gets rid of visceral fat?

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is associated with decreased abdominal visceral adipose tissue...

Last updated Aug 7, 2022

Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

Contains a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

Elyse Cloeter

MPH Candidate, Nutritional Sciences

Dietary fiber. We are told that we should eat more of it, but where do we find fiber? Is it an orange-flavored powder mix we stir into a glass of water? Is fiber the bland cereals that accompany the morning routines of older adults? Is fiber for everyone?

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) defines dietary fiber as "non-digestible carbohydrates and lignin that are intrinsic and intact in plants".1 Fiber is a component of plant-based foods that is indigestible in the human gut. We need it, but don't digest it. So why is it beneficial?

While humans don't have digestive enzymes that break down fiber, bacteria in our gut do. The intestinal microbiome use fiber from our diet as their own energy source; thus, dietary fiber promotes a healthy colon. When our gut bacteria break down fiber, they produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Humans can digest SCFAs for energy, and a symbiotic relationship between the digestive system and our colon's microbiome ensues. Ultimately, for every gram of fiber we consume, we receive two calories of energy in the form of SCFAs.2 That's incredible, considering our enzymes aren't even the ones doing the digesting. There are two types of fiber—soluble and insoluble.3 Soluble fiber creates a gel-like substance in our gut that slows absorption of other nutrients into our body. Insoluble fiber doesn't dissolve in water. Instead, it takes up space in our gut, contributing to the notion of "roughage" often associated with fiber. Insoluble fiber promotes bowel movement by increasing stool "bulk." Soluble Fiber Insoluable Fiber Oats Whole wheat flour Peas, beans Wheat bran Vegetables (e.g., beets, eggplant) Nuts, seeds Fruits (e.g., plums, bananas, peaches) Beans, lentils Citrus fruits Vegetables (e.g., cauliflower, broccoli, carrots) Barley Fruits (e.g., pears, apples, kiwi) Beyond providing a little extra energy, eating dietary fiber has health benefits that can be embraced by all people—not just the elderly!2

Some of the benefits of fiber include:

Weight Management: Dietary fiber results in feeling full, which can help you avoid excessive food intake and aid in weight loss. Blood Sugar Control: Soluble fiber slows absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, which helps with diabetes management. Cholesterol Reduction: Fiber "binds up" cholesterol in the gut, preventing it from being absorbed, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regularity of Bowel Movements: Insoluble fiber promotes regularity, relieving constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, and reducing the risk for hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. The IOM recommends that people up to age 50 get consume 38 grams a day for men or 25 grams a day for women. For people older than 50, IOM recommends 30 grams a day for men or 21 grams a day for women.1

What burns 650 calories in an hour?

Jumping Rope A person weighing 150 pounds can burn approximately 650-700 calories in an hour of jumping rope. If you weigh more than that, you'll...

Last updated Sep 19, 2019

What is 5w and 1h technique?

Definition. Otherwise known as the questioning method or the method of the Five Ws, 5W1H is an acronym in which every letter corresponds to a...

Last updated Jan 29, 2019

Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest simple ways that everyone can increase their fiber consumption:4 Eat more fruits and vegetables. Make half of your grains whole grains. Consume a variety of plant-based foods. Focus on eating nutrient dense meals.

Learn more about Nutritional Sciences at Michigan Public Health.

Interested in public health? Learn more here.

Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes Proposed Definition of Dietary.; 2001. https://www.nap.edu/read/10161/chapter/2. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics : Health Implications of Dietary Fiber. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(11). doi:10.1016/j.jand.2015.09.003. Dhingra D, Michael M, Rajput H. Dietary fibre in foods : a review. 2012;49(June):255-266. doi:10.1007/s13197-011-0365-5. 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Executive Summary.; 2017. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/executive-summary/.

About the Author

Elyse Cloeter is a second-year Master of Public Health student studying Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She is working to become a registered dietitian and aspires to work in the field of maternal, child, and family nutritional health. Cloeter grew up in Michigan and enjoys outdoor activities and spending time on the lake during the summer.

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

sph.umich.edu - 4 Ways Fiber Benefits Your Health | The Pursuit

Why shouldn't we drink water after eating banana?

Dr MS Krishnamurthy, clarifies that you should not drink water (especially cold water) after eating bananas as it can cause severe indigestion....

Last updated Sep 27, 2019

How many times a day should you drink hot lemon water?

Stephens recommends using the juice from two to three lemons (about four to six tablespoons) throughout the day, and drinking one or two glasses of...

Last updated Oct 19, 2021