This One Nutrient Could Be the Key to Fat Burn and Gut Health
Gut health has become a hot topic over recent years, and for good reason. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that impact everything from your immune function to your metabolism and even mental health. And when it comes to supporting your gut health, there’s one essential nutrient that often gets overlooked: fiber.
Dietary fiber is a powerhouse nutrient found in plant foods that helps improve digestion, boost immune health, and reduce inflammation. But fiber isn’t just one thing; it’s a category that includes soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, and insoluble fiber, which doesn’t. Both types are crucial for gut health. While fiber is most commonly associated with keeping things moving in the digestive tract, research shows fiber also helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome. According to a recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, eating a high-fiber diet is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and colorectal cancer.
But how do you get more fiber into your diet, and which foods should you eat more of? To find out, we spoke with Caroline Young, RD, a registered dietitian and the owner of Whole Self Nutrition, who breaks down why fiber is so essential for gut health and how you can boost your fiber intake to help maintain a happy gut, improve digestion, and support your overall health.
(Next up: Discover the 10 Warning Signs You’re Not Eating Enough Fiber.)
Fiber is a Non-Negotiable for Digestive Health
Insoluble fiber is found in whole grains, nuts, and vegetables, and helps move food through the gastrointestinal tract by adding bulk to stool, while soluble fiber, found in fruits and some vegetables, slows digestion by absorbing water and forming a gel-like substance.
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