Ask Brenda Watson

Because the majority of Americans consume less than half of the doctor-recommended 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day, taking a dietary fiber supplement is often incredibly beneficial. In addition to its role in disease prevention and healthy weight management, fiber can also help support healthy bowel elimination. To understand how, let’s look at the two different types of fiber.

Soluble fiber (found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains) dissolves and breaks down in water, acting like a sponge and soaking up toxins as it passes through your gastrointestinal tract. Insoluble fiber (found in dried beans, whole grains and seeds) is not water soluble. Instead, it passes through your gastrointestinal tract almost intact, sweeping away toxins in the bowel as it encounters them. For these reasons, you should look for a supplement that contains a blend of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber is also a powerful weight loss tool. Consumed daily, fiber can help manage your hunger and slow down the rate at which your body converts carbohydrates into sugar. In addition, fiber helps eliminate calories from the foods you eat by blocking the absorption of calories and leading those calories out of the body.