Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.
The recommended daily intake of fiber is between 20 and 30
grams per day. Most adults don’t eat half that much. This isn’t surprising,
since health fibers are processed right out of our largely refined food diet.
Unless you regularly eat whole fruits and vegetables, nuts
and seeds, you are probably missing out on the healthiest forms of fiber. You
may think your diet of bran muffins and cereals has you up to capacity, but
that may be a big mistake.
There are major health benefits from eating adequate fiber
regularly. Soluble fiber helps control your blood sugar by slowing the
breakdown of carbs and sugar.
There is an inverse relationship to heart disease. The more
fiber in your diet, the less incidence of heart disease, up to a 40% lower
risk.
Fiber helps manage weight loss due to increased bulk in the
stomach and a more satiated feeling.