{"id":41950,"date":"2025-01-03T23:25:53","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T23:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=41950"},"modified":"2025-01-03T23:25:54","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T23:25:54","slug":"fiber","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/fiber\/","title":{"rendered":"*THIS* is Crucial to Optimizing Your Health (Hint: It’ll Keep Things Moving Along)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fiber<\/a> is one of the most crucial nutrients for overall health, yet it’s often overlooked in our daily diet. Unlike other carbohydrates, fiber isn’t digested by the body. However, it still plays many critical roles in supporting digestion<\/a>, regulating blood sugar levels, and even helping with weight management.<\/p>\n\n\n

Despite these benefits, most people don’t get enough fiber. In fact, 95% of Americans<\/a> don’t meet their daily fiber needs, resulting in many health deficiencies. But meeting your fiber needs isn’t as difficult as it sounds. From fresh fruits and vegetables to whole grains and legumes, fiber is abundant in a wide variety of foods. In this article, we’ll dive into what fiber is, why it’s essential, how much you need, and how to easily include more of it in your diet.<\/p>\n\n\n

What is Fiber?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body can’t digest and instead has to pass through the body undigested. It helps regulate the body’s use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check. There are two types of fiber:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

Soluble Fiber<\/h3>\n\n\n

Soluble fiber dissolves in water, creating a gel-like substance in the stomach, slowing digestion. This helps control your blood sugar and cholesterol. It’s also a crucial nutrient in weight management because it helps keep you full longer. Foods with soluble fiber include nuts, beans, lentils, blueberries, and apples.<\/p>\n\n\n

Insoluble Fiber<\/h3>\n\n\n

Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water and typically remains whole as it passes through your stomach. It helps increase insulin sensitivity and supports a healthy gut for regularity. Foods with insoluble fibers include leafy greens<\/a>, nuts, apples, whole wheat foods, and legumes.<\/p>\n\n\n

Fiber Supplements<\/h3>\n\n\n

Fiber supplements<\/a> are helpful in bridging the gap if you’re not meeting your daily fiber needs. They’re often used for treating constipation, diarrhea, or other digestive issues when used as directed. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the dose to your needs. HUMs Flatter Me Fiber, for example, is the perfect addition to support a balanced, whole-food diet. The fiber supplement naturally increases the body’s GLP-1 levels while tackling cravings, reducing bloating<\/a>, and promoting regularity in bowel movements. It also breaks down proteins, carbs, fiber, and other essential nutrients, resulting in a happy, healthy gut.<\/p>\n\n\n

Why is Fiber Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n

A high-fiber diet is an essential part of any diet, and meeting the daily intake can significantly reduce the risk of developing various conditions. Osteopathic Physician Lauren Davis<\/a> explains, \u201cFiber is like your gut\u2019s best friend\u2014it keeps things moving, supports healthy digestion, and helps balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels. For postpartum<\/a> moms especially, fiber is a lifesaver. It can ease constipation (which we all know is no fun after birth), calm inflammation<\/a>, and feed the good bacteria in your gut that influence everything from energy levels to mental clarity. When you\u2019re running on fumes and trying to recover, fiber is one of the easiest ways to feel better fast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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Per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics<\/a>, the recommended daily dose of fiber is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n