Fiber is an important nutrient in your diet even though it does not get absorbed by your intestines. A high fiber diet can aid in having normal and regular bowel movements; it also has other beneficial effects on your body. A diet high in fiber is generally safe, although there are some unpleasant side effects associated with high fiber intake.
Types of Fiber
If you are trying to add more fiber to your diet, it is important to know that there are two different kinds of fiber: Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to your stools. It is found in whole grains, wheat bran and many vegetables. Soluble fiber forms a gel when exposed to water. It is found in oat bran, fruits, beans, peas, nuts, seeds and some vegetables.
Fiber and Intestinal Problems
A diet that is high in fiber can help with many different gastrointestinal disorders. For example, high fiber diets increase the bulk of your stool, which can relieve constipation, particularly when you consume the fiber with extra fluids. Soluble fiber can also treat diarrhea as the fiber absorbs excess water. Increasing your fiber intake will also reduce the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids and may relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Other Beneficial Effects
Consuming extra fiber, particularly soluble fiber, has other effects on the body. For example, consuming a lot of fiber can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of developing coronary artery disease, according to Family Doctor. You can also lower your blood glucose levels by consuming more fiber because soluble fiber slows the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down by your digestive tract. This prevents sudden spikes in blood glucose and can be beneficial for diabetics.
Drug Interactions and Other Side Effects
Consuming a high-fiber diet can interfere with the activity of some medications, MayoClinic.com explains, and reduce the effectiveness of aspirin, warfarin and carbemazepine. High fiber diets may also result in gas and abdominal bloating, as bacteria break down the fiber and secrete gas. If you develop excessive amounts of intestinal gas, reducing your fiber intake and then gradually increasing it can help reduce some of these side effects.
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