Fiber
Dietary Fiber is a type of carbohydrate – not easily broken down into glucose like other carbohydrates – also known as roughage, plays crucial role in maintaining digestive health.
Effectiveness and Risk Overview
Condition | Effectiveness | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation | Fiber is well-documented to improve constipation by increasing stool frequency and softening stool, supported by numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews. | |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Soluble fiber can help manage IBS symptoms by regulating bowel movements and reducing abdominal pain, as shown in several clinical studies. | |
| Hemorrhoids | Fiber intake can help prevent hemorrhoids by reducing straining during bowel movements, as suggested by clinical observations and some studies. | |
| High Cholesterol | Soluble fiber has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels, reducing cardiovascular risk, as supported by meta-analyses and clinical trials. | |
| Bloating | Some types of fiber can help reduce bloating, although effects can vary depending on the type of fiber and individual tolerance, as indicated by mixed results in clinical studies. | |
| Intestinal blockage. | A sudden and significant increase in fiber intake can cause an intestinal blockage, particularly in individuals with a history of digestive problems or bowel obstruction. This can lead to severe abdominal pain, constipation, and vomiting. |
