Dietitians have over the years emphasised the importance of consuming fibre. This is because a high-fibre diet can help your body in a number of ways. And, according to nutritionist Lovneet Batra, “A diet rich in fibre is essential for keeping the digestive system healthy. It is also related to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart problems, diabetes, and obesity.” Dietary fibre is of two kinds- soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre improves digestion and balances blood sugar and cholesterol. This fibre is found in oats, chia seeds, barley and citrus fruits. On the other hand, insoluble fibre is found in vegetables, nuts, and beans. Even though fibre is healthy for the body, according to the health expert, “it should be increased slowly in the diet.” In addition, the water intake should also be increased.
(Also Read: 5 Popular Foods That Are Loaded With Fibre)
Consuming too much fibre can have various side effects:
- Excess fibre can lead to a change in bowel movements.
- It may cause constipation or diarrhoea.
- If you have too much fibre, you may suffer from bloating and gas.
- You may also experience abdominal pain.
- Fibre is a binding agent, meaning it can also lead to nutrient elimination before the body has a chance to absorb them, says the nutritionist.
Lovneet Batra also stated some conditions under which, you must avoid eating too much fibre and should stick to a low-fibre diet. A lot of fibre can irritate the digestive tract and flare up these existing conditions:
- IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Crohn's disease.
- Ulcerative colitis
- Irritation or damage in the digestive tract.
- Bowel narrowing due to a tumour.
- Recovery from gastrointestinal surgery like colostomy and ileostomy.
- Current radiation therapy or any other treatment which might affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Gut Health requires a lot of care. It is important to figure out what your body needs and act accordingly. Don't be misled by labels and try to understand your body's responses.
(Also Read: Is Chiku Good For Digestion? Here's Why You Should Eat Sapota)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information