Fiber. We’ve all heard about it, often in jest and in reference to terrible muffins or breakfast cereals. Dr. Patrick Flynn recently shared all about fiber: what is it, why do you need it, which foods provide it, and how to supplement your lifestyle to be sure you are getting enough.

What is Fiber?

Fiber is a carbohydrate found in many plants that benefits the digestive system. A diet rich in fiber can help you stay regular and keep wastes flowing through the tract. Beyond the digestive tract, fiber can help manage blood sugars by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates, and support weight management by helping you feel fuller longer. Fiber can also provide prebiotics, a beneficial nutrient to the gut flora.

Insoluble vs Soluble

Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance that slows digestion. By slowing digestion, soluble fiber creates an environment that allows nutrients to be absorbed properly.

Insoluble fiber helps stool pass through the tract more efficiently by bulking it up and collecting toxins and waste on the way out. Insoluble fiber passes through the system mostly intact and undigested.

If You Don’t Love Sauerkraut…

As discussed in the live, Doc loves sauerkraut. Below are some other great options for those who aren’t fond of it.

Supplementing Fiber in your diet

If these foods aren’t common in your diet, or you find yourself needing a fiber supplement, we’ve got you covered. The Wellness Way has sourced one of the best fiber-rich foods available in easy-to-swallow capsules. Click here to head over to The Wellness Way store to find our Chicory Root Inulin!

To learn more about fiber and men’s health, watch Dr. Patrick’s video on YouTube.