It helps you avoid constipation, stabilize blood sugar, lower cholesterol and stay fuller for longer
If thinking about fiber calls to mind sad, bland bran flakes and, well, pooping a lot, it’s time to rewrite the narrative. Fiber is a critical element of a healthy diet, and it does all kinds of important things for your body, including but certainly not limited to keeping you regular.
What is fiber?
“Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t break down,” registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, explains. And while that sounds like it could be a bad thing, fiber is actually something your body really needs.
There are categories of fiber: soluble and insoluble (or non-soluble). They serve similar but slightly different functions in your body.
Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water. “This type of fiber has been shown to help with constipation, stabilizing blood sugars, lowering cholesterol levels and managing weight,” Czerwony says. It’s found in the flesh of some fruits and vegetables. Good sources include konjac, oat bran, dry oats, barley, nuts, beans, lentils and peas.
Insoluble fiber can’t be dissolved in water. “It helps move food down the gastrointestinal tract, which also helps relieve or prevent constipation,” Czerwony explains. Insoluble fiber is found in the skin, strings and seeds of fruits and vegetables, including nuts, seeds, corn and kale.
What does fiber do for your body?
Nutrition experts rave about fiber — and for good reason. “Research shows that in countries where people consume high amounts of fiber in their diets, the overall rates of chronic disease are low,” Czerwony notes.
A diet that’s high in fiber is associated with lower cholesterol and improved blood sugar control. It also lowers your risk of:
- Colorectal cancer.
- Gastrointestinal issues like diverticulitis, constipation and hemorrhoids.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Obesity and overweight.
- Stroke.
- Type 2 diabetes.
A high-fiber diet also keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which is linked to lower body weight, it keeps your digestive system chugging along smoothly.
How much fiber do you need?
You probably need more fiber than you’re currently getting. Studies show that only about 5% of American adults get enough fiber in their diets, with most people consuming only about 16 grams (g) per day.
So, how much is enough? The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, breaks down its dietary fiber recommendations by sex. This includes a combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 19-30 | 28 g | 34 g |
| 31-50 | 25 g | 31 g |
| 51 and older | 22 g | 28 g |
Unfortunately, these official recommendations don’t account for bodily differences like weight, height and overall health. If you’re not sure how much fiber you should be getting, ask your healthcare provider for individualized guidance.
Should you eat high-fiber foods or take supplements?
It’s always best to try to get your vitamins, minerals and other nutrients through your diet — and fiber is no different.
“It’s important to get fiber sources from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes in order to have a healthy and balanced diet,” Czerwony says.
Four food groups are high in fiber:
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, lima beans, dried peas, etc.
- Whole grains: Whole-wheat products, bran, steel-cut or rolled oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice, rye, corn, etc.
- Fruit: Apples, berries, oranges, pears, plums, bananas, etc.
- Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, etc.
If you’re having a hard time getting enough fiber from the foods you eat, your healthcare provider may recommend a supplement. “Food is your best source of fiber, but supplements can help if you’re not able to get adequate amounts through diet,” Czerwony reiterates.
Just be sure to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement, fiber included.
Tips for getting more fiber
There are lots of common (and tasty!) foods that are high in fiber, and there are countless ways to incorporate them into your diet. Here are a few tips to consider throughout the day:
- Breakfast: Switch to steel-cut oatmeal or rolled oats or whole-wheat cereal with at least 5 g of fiber, and top it with fruit like raspberries and blackberries.
- Lunch: Pair lentil stew or bean soup with a sandwich made on hearty whole-wheat bread.
- Dinner: Serve a healthy helping of salad or vegetables with a whole-grain side like brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, bulgur or quinoa.
“You can also sprinkle bran, ground flaxseed or chia seed into soups, cereals, spaghetti sauce, casseroles or yogurt,” Czerwony suggests. “They add a big hit of fiber without changing much in the way of taste.”
