5 Reasons Why Fibre Intake Is Much Needed To Improve Your Digestion

Dietary fibre comes with numerous benefits while being a vital component of a healthy diet. It is majorly contained in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods alike. Fibre is also known as bulk or roughage. It is indigestible and can be demarcated into soluble and insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in any liquid as the name clearly says while soluble varieties dissolve in water to produce a resultant gel. Leafy green vegetables, wheat bran and whole grains are good insoluble fibre sources while barley, citrus fruits, bananas, legumes, oats and apples are also rich in soluble fibre.

Here are 5 reasons behind fibre intake being much-needed for improving your digestion levels:

1. Bowel Movements - Dietary fibre which is contained in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains helps in ensuring regular bowel movements. People who consume diets rich in fibre generally have comparatively lower constipation rates as compared to those consuming a low-fibre diet alongside. Fibre consumption also helps in keeping hemorrhoids and diverticula at bay in the colon.
2. Bacterial Benefits - Bacteria help in digestion of fibre which churns out healthy ingredients tailored to the colon. These include short chain fatty acids as well. Fibre is beneficial for both constipation and diarrhea, depending on the fluid you are consuming with the fibre. Fibre can be a constipating agent in turn if the fluid consumption is on the lower side.
3. Prebiotics - Fibers of some varieties are prebiotics, indicating that they will be fermented within the colon via the healthy bacteria. The product or result of such fermentation, including short chained fatty acids, will ultimately benefit the colon lining above all else. The acidic environment arising from this fermentation will combat harmful and pathogenic bacteria which cause various ailments and hinders overall colon health.
4. Stool Benefits - Fibre helps in regulation of water content in your stool. If it is overtly dry, fibre will soften the same while retaining fluids simultaneously. If it is overtly runny, fibre may absorb water while adding more from it likewise.
5. Colon Cleansing - As mentioned earlier, fibre comes with specific cleansing benefits for the colon. Reports suggest that consuming a diet which is rich in fibre can help in successfully combating colon cancer. Soluble fibre may be used for treating diarrhea and constipation alike. The only issue here is that too much consumption of fibre may lead to excessive gas production. Otherwise, this can be overcome through ample water consumption alongside.

Fibers are majorly non-digestible carbohydrates and can be found in vegetables, fruits, lentils, peas, seeds and nuts. Any plant classified as a plant will have fibre which ensures structure. Fibers add more bulk and form to the stool while those with irregular bowel movements should consume more on a regular basis accompanied by intake of fluids too. Fibre is considered healthy for the gastrointestinal tract since it offers bulk to the stool while enabling colonic transit and lubrication likewise.

Hence, as can be seen, consumption of fibre is a must for keeping your digestive system healthy, enhancing overall digestion, colon health, preventing harmful bacterial growth and a raft of other benefits. Aim to consume your recommended daily quota of fibre from your daily diet. If you need reinforcements, consult your wellness practitioners or medical experts for guidance regarding supplements and other fibre sources.