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Dietary fibre is the indigestible portion of plant foods and an important nutrient for health. Most adults consume less fibre than their body requires for optimal function. A low fibre diet contributes to constipation, bowel irregularity, and bowel diseases like colon cancer. Low fibre diets have caused adults to become big consumers of laxative and stool softening agents. Most of these agents would not be needed if people added more fibre to their diets.
The recommended intake of dietary fibre is 30 to 40 grams per day. The average adult consumes only 10 to 12 grams of fibre each day. Many consume a diet high in animal and processed foods that contain little or no fibre. High fibre diets not only promote bowel regularity, they also reduce our risk of breast and colon cancer. Fibre also helps to reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Some intestinal disorders require low fibre diets during acute flare-ups. These include: - intestinal inflammation
- Crohn's disease and
- diverticulitis
For these disorders, a low fibre diet is followed only for a short time as advised by a doctor. A high fibre diet is normally resumed once the acute symptoms have subsided. Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fibre as are whole grain breads, cereals, pastas, brown rice, and beans. Article #7000 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
