The Institute of Medicine recommends that children and adult men and women should consume 14g of fiber for every 1,000 calories of food they eat each day. This recommendation is based on evidence from many scientific studies and the conclusions of...
Dietary fiber, also called roughage or bulk, does not digest or absorb into the body. Instead, it passes through the stomach and intestines relatively intact. Dietary fiber lowers blood cholesterol, helps control blood sugar, aids in weight loss...
Fiber is found in all plants, which include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and grains. Fiber is a carbohydrate that cannot be digested. Dietary fiber has a number of health benefits, but, unfortunately, most Americans do not consume enough...
Fiber is a key part to any diet. In addition to keeping the digestion system regular, it helps fill you up with fewer calories. The American Dietetic Association recommends eating 20 to 35g of fiber a day to look and feel your best. However,...
Digestion is a key process necessary for your body to procure essential nutrients and minerals. The digestive system functions by breaking down the food you consume via digestive juices for absorption. Depending on what you eat, food stays in your...
If you think fiber is only for seniors, you could be missing out on a health powerhouse. Fiber is the part of the plant that passes through your system undigested. Soluble fiber comes from the plant cells. It forms a gel-like substance when mixed...
Digestion is essential to overall health. Every piece of food that you eat must be broken down and the nutrients absorbed for your body to make new cells and provide energy for the daily functions of life. Many people have difficulty with...
Constipation occurs when the food you eat is digested slowly. As the bulk of food passes through your small intestine and into your large intestine, most of its nutrients have already been absorbed. The role of the large intestine is to extract...
Your digestive system is a hardworking bodily function that involves your stomach, intestines and other important organs. Certain foods digest slower than others. Speed of digestion is not as important as efficient digestion. The ability for your...
Stress, poor diet, inactivity, medical conditions and medications can all contribute to a slow digestive system. Constipation, which usually results from an impaired digestive system, can be uncomfortable and cause gas, bloating and interfere with...
Dietary fiber, also known as bulk, is typically found in grains and vegetables, and is a natural carbohydrate that helps to keep your digestive tract in shape. People who are trying to lose unwanted pounds may want to eat more fiber because it...
Ulcerative colitis is a condition that affects more than 500,000 Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the lining of the large intestine, and can produce...
Fiber-rich foods help to effectively empty your digestive tract. Fiber, also called roughage, is a substance found in plants, which is a critical part of a healthy diet. The bulk found in fiber easily moves through your digestive system, helping...
Fiber -- the part of plant-based foods that your body cannot digest or absorb -- is an essential part of a healthy diet. The two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble, both are vital to your digestive system because they promote regular bowel...
The rate at which your body process the food you eat depends on a variety of factors. Your bowel transit time is a measurement of how long it takes food to travel through your digestive tract, and food can take anywhere from 36 to 72 hours to pass...
One weight loss hurdle that you might face is the inability to control hunger and eating. To lose weight, you must reduce food portion sizes and not overindulge at meal and snack times. Once you can get your appetite under control, the weight...
Though there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, the American Dietetic Association, or ADA, says that simple changes in your diet and eating habits can keep your symptoms under control. The ADA recommends eating low-fat, high-fiber...
The goal of any diet plan for someone with diabetes is to help bring blood sugars into as near normal range as possible and promote a healthy weight. Your diabetes meal plan should teach you how to make mostly healthy food choices in controlled...
Glucose is your body's primary source of fuel. However, if your glucose concentration is too high in your blood, you need to eat foods that help you lower the amount in your bloodstream. Long-term high glucose concentrations in your blood causes...
Apple-shaped people are the ones who tend to gain weight around their stomach and upper body. On a man, an apple shape is sometimes referred to as a pot belly. On a woman, it sometimes leads to the question, "How far along are you?" with the...
Eating fresh fruit can have a variety of health benefits, including helping your digestive system work properly. Most fresh fruit contains a large amount of fiber, which encourages regular bowel movements and can help relieve constipation. Talk...
Macadamia nuts are smooth-shaped nuts that can be eaten raw, roasted or cooked in oil. Known for their high protein content as well as containing a high amount of nutrients, macadamia nuts are high in fat, yet the fat is monounsaturated, according...
High fiber foods help your child's digestion and they are filling enough to reduce his chances of overeating, according to KidsHealth, a website of the Nemours Foundation. They can also help protect your child against gut cancers, high...
Fiber One cereals are produced by General Mills. They are high-fiber, low-sugar cereals with healthy ingredients like bran, whole grain and whole wheat. They contain at least 35 percent of the recommended daily value of fiber, a nutrient with...
Dietary fiber is most commonly known for its ability to relieve constipation, but it can also improve digestive health, lower the risk of diabetes, decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke and aid in weight loss. It is recommended that a...
The gallbladder's main function is to filter bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. A malfunctioning gallbladder may lead to gall stones. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and nausea. Surgical removal of the gallbladder, also known as...
Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient that provides a variety of health benefits, but not all types of fiber do the same thing. Although both types fall under the umbrella of dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble fiber perform different functions....
Determining which foods are safe for you to eat can be difficult if you have diabetes. Fortunately, the American Diabetes Association has outlined foods that can help control your blood sugar levels and prevent common complications associated with...
A key to preventing heartburn includes strengthening the esophageal muscle that protects you against stomach acid backup. When the muscle weakens after eating, it can allow the acid to flow back up into the esophagus and cause the pain in the...
