Soluble fiber is an important part of your diet. It can be found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, oat bran and other dietary sources. Soluble fiber can help you maintain your digestive health and may also treat other health problems. If you are not getting enough soluble fiber in your diet, you may need to take fiber supplements.
Soluble Fiber Identification
Dietary fiber comes in two forms: insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber does not readily absorb water and passes through the digestive tract relatively unchanged. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, swells when it comes into contact with water and swells to form a gel-like substance, MedlinePlus explains. Adults, adolescents and older children should get 30 to 35 grams of fiber each day, though this recommendation does not distinguish between soluble and insoluble fiber.
Forms
There are many kinds of soluble fiber available in supplements. One of the most common types of soluble fiber supplements is psyllium husk, which is harvested from the seeds of the herb Plantago ovata, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. HelpForIBS.com notes that other forms of soluble include methylcellulose, wheat dextrin, guar gum, acacia senegal, calcium polycarbophil and inulin. Although each type of soluble fiber is different, they have similar effects on the human body.
Uses
Soluble fiber is often used as a bulk-forming laxative, which means that it can relieve constipation. Soluble fiber also can slow the rate at which carbohydrates are digested, which can prevent sudden jumps in blood glucose levels in diabetics. Soluble fiber also interferes with the ability of your intestines to absorb cholesterol, so your doctor may recommend soluble fiber supplements if you have high cholesterol. Soluble fiber can also relieve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Considerations
When you are taking soluble fiber supplements, it is essential that you take them with water. These supplements will swell when they come into contact with water, and if you do not consume enough fluids they can become stuck in your digestive tract. You should also be aware that soluble fiber supplements may interfere with the absorption of some medications, so talk to your doctor before taking any sort of fiber supplements.
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