What is soluble fiber?
Knowing the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber is important because they do very different things in the body. Soluble fiber includes plant pectin and gums that dissolve in water, often creating a gelatinous consistency. Soluble fiber attracts water and provides a range of health benefits such as detoxification, digestive support and improved stool consistency and regularity.
Soluble fiber also promotes a variety of benefits for overall health including better blood sugar balance, cardiovascular health, digestion, detoxification, immune function, hormone balance, and metabolism.
Perfect poop
The amazing benefits of soluble fiber come from its ability to mix with water, forming a gel that softens stool. While this gel can help you feel fuller longer, it also slows digestion, improving absorption of nutrients from the food you eat.
Health benefits of eating more soluble fiber
Increasing soluble fiber in your daily routine will improve your health. That is because soluble fiber has been shown to:
- Balance fluid levels in stool (relieving constipation & diarrhea)
- Provide protection to colon cells
- Improve glucose balance
- Provide energy for microbiota
- Aid in detoxification
- Increase metabolism
- Boost heart health
- Regulate hormone balance
- Reduce inflammation
- Regulate the gut-brain axis
Soluble fiber sources
Ideal consumption of soluble fiber is around 20 grams per day. Soluble fibers found in foods like lentils, beans, avocado, flax, and chia have a range of incredible health benefits that extend far beyond gut health. Check out our post on how to eat more soluble fiber!
What if I can't get enough soluble fiber through foods?
All three formulas of Florasophy provide 4 grams of soluble fiber per tablespoon, boosting your daily intake to reach the ideal consumption of 20 grams of soluble fiber per day.
About Megan Barnett, MS, CNS
Megan Barnett is a functional medicine practitioner in Portland, Oregon. In her clinical practice, she helps patients identify the root cause of their health problems, then designs individualized and evidence-based approaches to alleviate symptoms and help their bodies heal. She has a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Kansas State University and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Functional Medicine from University of Western States.