Fiber Benefits: Soluble vs. Insoluble for Gut Health

Increasing fiber intake through vegetables and psyllium husk is key to preventing constipation on low-carb diets. Understand the benefits of soluble vs. insoluble fiber for boosting metabolism and maintaining long-term kidney health.

Psyllium husk (ispaghula) on dark wooden background

Psyllium Substitutes

Psyllium consists of the indigestible seed husks of a plant native to India and Pakistan. The seed husks are a good source of soluble fiber, and thus act as a natural laxative. As such, they are also a popular ingredient in colon cleansing and detox regimens, and are also used as a binder in gluten-free baking.

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Rice with vegetables

Benefits of Sodium Butyrate

Sodium butyrate is the sodium salt of butyric acid, which is a short-chain fatty acid. It’s a natural byproduct of the fermentation of dietary fibers in your large intestine.

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Doctor with patient

Psyllium Husk and Kidney Disease

Psyllium husk is a high-fiber laxative you can take to add bulk to your stool. When you take psyllium husk powder -- also simply referred to as psyllium -- the components attract water to your stool, making it easier to pass, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

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Variety types of fruits, Full Frame, High angle view

How Does Increased Fiber Affect a Bowel Movement?

Once you take that first bit if food, it goes to your stomach where it is broken down and sent through your digestive system -- traveling into your small and large intestines. Your body absorbs what it needs and eliminates what it doesn't need through your stool.

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Healthy baby nutrition: apple puree

Applesauce & Digestion in Babies

Diarrhea and constipation are common conditions, particularly among babies who are making the transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods. Most cases are mild and respond to home treatment methods, according to the Baby Center website.

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Vegetables in farmer's market of France

What Foods Are High in Butyrate?

Butyrate is the ester or salt of butyric acid with fruity odor and low water solubility. Butyrate salts can be prepared by distillation of certain essential oils extracted from the vegetables, or from synthetic butyric acid derivatives.

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Bean salad

The Healthiest Canned Beans With High Fiber

Canned beans are healthy additions to any of your meals. Canned beans are usually low in saturated fat and calories, but contain high fiber content. A diet high in fiber can help ensure your bowel movements are regular. A high-fiber diet may also reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

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Soutwestern Santa Fe Soup

4 Ways to Use Meat in a High Fiber Diet

Beans are a perfect meat substitute. Unlike meat which has no fiber, beans are one of the best fiber foods around. If you want to enjoy meat and a high fiber diet, try meals and dishes that combine the two.

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A Variety of Bread, High Angle View

Facts on High Fiber Bread

Everyone eats bread practically every day, but are you eating bread that is packed with health benefits or fillers? High fiber breads are usually made with whole wheat or whole grains and are enriched with extra fiber in the form of wheat bran, oat bran, soy or seeds.

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Psyllium Seeds

Psyllium Husk Dosage

Psyllium husk is native to Iran and India, and traditional medicine typically uses the seeds of the plant. In the West, most people use supplements made from the husk, a rich source of soluble fiber that can ease constipation and lower cholesterol.

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Muesli

Does Soluble Fiber Prevent Fat Absorption?

Soluble fiber is one of the two types of fiber found in the plants we eat. Unlike its counterpart, insoluble fiber, soluble fiber dissolves in water, which means it creates a gel-like stool that slows digestion and affects the absorption of certain nutrients, including fat.

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Plate with raw oatmeal on wooden table.

Oats and Whole Grain Make Me Bloated and Gassy

Oats and whole grains are good sources of fiber, which is essential for heart and digestive health and aids in weight loss. However, sometimes eating oats and whole grains can make you feel bloated; it's as if your stomach is heavy and full of air. Oats and whole grains also can cause embarrassing gas to occur.

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Apple  and spinach smoothie

How to Add Fiber to Smoothies

Dietary fiber can help lower your blood cholesterol, balance blood sugar levels and support your weight loss efforts, all while regulating the digestion system. The recommended daily allowance of dietary fiber per day is 38 g for men and 25 g for women. There are two forms of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble.

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Fresh spinach in bowl

Raw Spinach and Digestion

With its delicate flavor, spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that you can add to a range of dishes. Include fully mature leaves or the more tender leaves of baby spinach in sandwiches, lasagna, pizza and salads.

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Slicing apples

The Disadvantages of Fruits

Fruits and vegetables provide a slew of vital nutrients, are low in calories and high in fiber. For some people, however, getting enough fresh fruit in their diets is difficult. Eating fruit, especially in large amounts, has a number of disadvantages.

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