What is "Insoluble fiber"?

Yesterday we spoke about there being 2 kinds of fiber. One being "soluble" fiber that we spoke of yesterday and the other being "insoluble" fiber that we'll talk about today.

So when you need to add a little fiber into your diet . . . which one do you choose?

I bet most of you don't have a clue!

So let's break it down . . . as we said yesterday . . . "soluble" fiber "dissolves" in water and forms a gel-like material which causes a "slower" digestion, which can help reduce "diarrhea".

And . . . "Insoluble" fiber adds bulk to stool which "speeds" up the transit of food in the digestive tract and helps prevent constipation. Simple right?

Now . . . if you're constipated, you'll need more "insoluble" fiber because that's the "roughage" we all know about. It's the tough matter found in whole grains, nuts, fruits and veggies that doesn't dissolve in water. "Insoluble" fiber isn't broken down by the gut and absorbed into the bloodstream.

"Insoluble" fiber can help promote bowel health and regularity. It does this by drawing water into and adding bulk to the stool. It has a natural "laxative" benefit and also supports "insulin sensitivity" . . . which like "soluble" fiber, it can help to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Okay . . . for those of you that don't have digestive issues at all . . . for a healthy bowel movement, you need both. Together, the two types of fiber work to bulk up stool, soften it and make it easier to pass. This is your "soft serve" poop.

But is you have diarrhea or are constipated . . . you will need to add more of one kind of fiber than the other to correct and stabilized your ailment.

So what foods do we find "insoluble" fiber in?

"Insoluble" fibers are: whole-wheat flours, wheat bran, brown rice, cauliflower, green beans, potatoes, corn, carrots, kale, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, cabbage dark green leafy veggie and root veggie skins.

Okay . . . so what about our "cholesterol"? Did you know that fiber has a lot to do with regulating that too?

Well . . . consuming "soluble" fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Just 5 to 10 grams per day can decrease LDL cholesterol.

But . . . both "soluble" and "insoluble" fibers are so very important to help fight diabetes and some cancers. They also support cardiovascular and digestive health.

So get your fiber on today and be a healthier you.

As always, feel free to contact me here