Fiber facts

Most of us have heard that we should be eating more fiber to promote good health. But what does that really mean? What is fiber? What foods contain the highest amount of fiber? How much is enough and how much is too much? This article will boost your “fiber IQ” so you can optimize your fiber intake to improve your health today.

Insoluble fiber includes plant cellulose and hemicellulose, which do not dissolve in water. Insoluble fiber stays intact as it moves through the digestive tract and is known for bulking stool. Most vegetables and fruits contain a high amount of insoluble fiber. Learn how to maximize your health with more fiber, and the importance of soluble and insoluble fiber working together. 

Adults should be consuming a minimum of 25-38 grams of total dietary fiber per day, about half of that coming from soluble fiber. But how do you know if you are getting enough soluble fiber? Check out where even the healthiest diet protocols may be falling short.

Poop is a part of life, so why are we so “hush hush” about our bowel movements? If sharing poop sagas were the norm, we’d realize that bathroom issues are more common than we think. Many ask, "what's wrong with my poop"? And we have a key answer.

Fiber seems so simple. In fact, ask almost anyone above the age of 12 what fiber is, and at the very least, they will know it has something to do with food. However, most nutrition and medical professionals cannot explain the nuances of fiber. Our collective lack of specificity around fiber means we aren’t using it to its fullest to optimize our health, including in the supplement form. This lack of understanding may be sabotaging health goals, instead.

Read on to untangle five common misconceptions about fiber supplements and clear up the role of fiber plays in nutrition and overall well being.