Fibre facts…yawn right?

Fibre is all the parts of a plant that our body can’t digest or absorb. We don’t digest fibre. Our intestinal bacteria like to it however, which breaks some of it into short-chain fatty acids that we can then absorb. How much do you need each day? We’ll tell you soon.

Is constipation due to a lack of fibre? Most historical health advice will tell you yes. Fibre often helps temporarily by creating bigger bowel motions that the body can’t hold so there is a movement. Here are some fibre-facts:

- When we eat too much fibre, the colon is chronically stretched, which negatively impacts the nerve impulses to the gut. Over time, our brain-gut connection is altered.

- If the fibre is from grain-sources, the result can be micro-tears along the lining of the wall of the gut, which in turn produces a small but persistent inflammation, and potentially reducing nutrient absorption. A couple of recent longevity studies have shown that lifespan was actually DECREASED by increasing fibre from grain sources.

- Also, if you have dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) then the pathogenic bacteria will produce metabolic wastes such as methane – leading to gas, bloating and cramping.

- Our preferred fibres are: psyllium husks, slippery elm powder, chia seeds, fruit and vegetables. Grains such as quinoa, oats (if you’re not sensitive to them), buckwheat (actually gluten-free!) and millet can all be great too.

If you find it hard to get enough fibre in your diet (here’s the amount you need….5-7 cups of vegetables….per day!), then contact us. We have super easy ways to achieve this without being in the kitchen all day.