|
|
High Fiber
WHAT IS DIETARY FIBER?
Dietary fiber is found only in plant foods. It is composed of a group of structurally related substances: cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, gums and pectins. Good sources of dietary fiber include whole grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, fats, oils and sugar contain no dietary fiber.WHY SHOULD WE INCLUDE DIETARY FIBER IN OUR DIETS?
Some of the benefits of dietary fiber are to increase fecal bulk, soften stools, stimulate the healthy movement of food through the digestive tract and assist the muscles of the digestive tract. Consuming high fiber foods thus may help prevent and treat constipation. In addition, researchers have shown that dietary fiber can play an important role in the prevention or treatment of various diseases and disorders. These include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diverticular disease and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as constipation.WHAT ARE SOLUBLE AND INSOLUBLE FIBERS?
Dietary fiber is frequently classified as soluble or insoluble. Soluble fibers dissolve in water and consist of pectins, gums and some hemicelluloses. Insoluble fibers do not dissolve in water and consist of cellulose, lignin and some hemicelluloses. Soluble fiber has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes by reducing total blood cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer, preventing diverticular disease and treating constipation.WHAT ARE SOME SOURCES OF SOLUBLE AND INSOLUBLE FIBERS?
Ideally, we should incorporate both soluble and insoluble fibers in our diets. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, barley, legumes (dried beans and peas) and some vegetables and fruits. Good sources of insoluble fiber include whole grain products (breads, cereals, rice, pasta), nuts, seeds and some vegetables.HOW MUCH DIETARY FIBER SHOULD WE CONSUME EACH DAY?
Experts are now recommending a dietary fiber intake in the range of 20 - 35 grams/day for the healthy adult. The average American consumes between 10 - 20 grams/day - well below the current recommendations.CAN PROBLEMS ARISE FROM EATING TOO MUCH DIETARY FIBER?
Yes. Dietary fiber, if increased suddenly, can cause gas, diarrhea and bloating. It should be added gradually, allowing time for your body to adjust to the extra fiber. For example, begin by increasing your fiber intake to 20 grams/day; allow a few days for adjustment, and then increase it to 25 grams/day. As you add fiber to your diet, it is very important to drink plenty of fluids, since fiber draws water into the intestines. Health care providers recommend at least eight glasses of water each day. Although excessive intakes of dietary fiber may interfere with the absorption of some nutrients, moderate intakes (i.e., 20 - 35 grams/day) do not appear to pose a problem for the healthy adult.Dietary Fiber Content of Common Foods
Grain Products Amount Dietary Fiber (g) Calories Bagels (Cinnamon Raisin, Plain, Blueberry, Egg) 1 whole bagel 2.0 280 English Muffin, Whole Wheat 1 whole 4.4 134 Roll, Whole Wheat 1 roll 1.6 101 Popcorn, air-popped, no butter 3 cups 4.5 115 Bran Muffins 1 muffin 0.0 - 4.0 ~104 Bread, French 1 slice 0.6 81 Bread, Oatmeal 1 slice 0.6 71 Bread, Pita 1 pocket 0.3 106 Bread, Whole Wheat 1 slice 1.6 61 Rice, Brown (cooked) 1 cup 3.3 216 Spaghetti, Whole Wheat (cooked) 1 cup 4.5 174 Spaghetti (cooked) 1 cup 2.2 197 Cornbread 2 x 2 piece .95 141 Tortilla (Corn) 1 1.0 67
Breakfast Cereals Amount (cup) Dietary Fiber (g) Calories All-Bran Extra Fiber™ 1/2 13.0 50 All-Bran™
1/3 10.0 70 Bran Buds™ 1/3 8.0 70 Bran Chex™ 2/3 6.1 90 Corn Bran™ 2/3 5.4 109 Corn Flakes 1 1.0 100 Frosted Mini-Wheats™ 1/2 3.0 100 Granola-type 1/4 2.0 120 Nutri-Grain™ 2/3 3.0 140 Oatmeal 3/4 1.6 108 Bran Flakes 3/4 5 100 Cracklin Oat Bran™ 3/4 6 190 Wheaties™ 1 3.0 110 Smart Start™ 1 2 180 Grape Nuts™ 1/2 5 200 Kashi Medley™ 1/2 2 100 Fiber One™ 1/2 14 60 Raisin Bran 3/4 5.0 120
Bars Amount (cup) Dietary Fiber (g) Calories All-Bran Fiber Bar™ 40g 10 120 Cliff Bar™
68g 5 230-250 Fiber One Chewy Bars™
40g 9 140-150 Gnu Bar™ 40g 12 130-150 Luna Bar™ 48g 3-4 180-190 Kashi TLC Granola Bar™ 35g 4 140 Kashi Go Lean Bar 78g 6 290
Legumes Amount (cup) Dietary Fiber (g) Calories Baked (cooked), canned 1 6.0 - 10.0 250 Black Beans (cooked) 1 7.2 227 Kidney (cooked) 1 6.4 225 Lentils (cooked) 1 7.9 231 Lima (cooked) 1 13.5 217 Navy (cooked) 1 6.6 259 Pinto Beans (cooked) 1 6.8 235
Crackers Amount (cup) Dietary Fiber (g) Calories Wheat Thins™ 16 crackers 2 140 Wheatables™ 16 crackers 1 150 Triscuit™ 7 crackers 4 140 Saltines 8 crackers .74 100 Whole Wheat Crackers 7 crackers 2.9 134 All Bran Crackers™ 18 crackers 5 130
Nuts and Seeds Amount (cup) Dietary Fiber (g) Calories Almonds 22 nuts/1 oz. 3.1 176 Cashews 18 nuts/1 oz. 1.7 163 Filberts (hazelnuts) 1 oz. 1.8 187 Peanuts 1 oz. 2.2 184 Pecans 15 halves/1 oz. 1.8 190 Popcorn, popped with oil 2 1/2 cups 2.8 142 Sunflower seeds 1 oz. 1.9 75 Peanut butter 2 Tbsp. 1.9 190 Walnuts 14 halves/1 oz. 1.3 182
Vegetables Amount (cup) Dietary Fiber (g) Calories Broccoli (raw) 1/2 cup 1.2 12 Cauliflower 1/2 cup 1.3 13 Asparagus 1/2 cup 1.9 23 Green Beans 1/2 cup 1.9 23 Carrot (raw) 1 medium 2.3 31 Celery (raw) 1 stalk 0.6 6 Corn 1/2 cup 1.7 67 Cucumber (sliced) 1/2 cup 0.5 7 Lettuce (shredded) 1 cup 0.4 6 Potato (with skin) 1 large 8.5 310 Mushrooms 1/2 cup .34 13 Spinach (boiled) 1/2 cup 2.0 21 Greens, Collard 1/2 cup 2.0 30 Tomato (raw) 1 medium 1.6 26 Zucchini (raw) 1/2 cup 0.3 9
Fruit Amount (cup) Dietary Fiber (g) Calories Apple (with skin) 1 medium 3.0 81 Banana 1 medium 1.8 105 Cantaloupe 1 cup 1.3 57 Grapefruit 1/2 medium 0.7 37 Peach (with skin) 1 medium 1.4 37 Pear (with skin) 1 medium 4.3 98 Honeydew melon 3/4 cup .8 46 Grapes 1 cup 1.6 114 Pineapple 1 cup 1.8 76 Strawberries 1 cup 3.9 45 EXAMPLE OF A HIGH FIBER MEAL PLAN
Breakfast 1 cup water, 1 bran muffin, 1 cup milk, 3/4 cup oatmeal, 1 orange Lunch 2 slices pumpernickel bread, 2 oz. turkey w/sprouts and tomato, 1 apple, 1 cup yogurt w/fruit, 2 Fig Newtons™, 1 cup iced tea Dinner 1 chicken breast, 1 cup brown rice, 1/2 cup broccoli, 1 serving carrot salad, 1 whole wheat dinner roll, 1 cup herbal tea Snacks 3 cups popcorn, 1 cup lemonade, 4 graham crackers, 1 cup milk ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS TO HELP ALLEVIATE CONSTIPATION
- Eat regular meals, allowing time to completely chew food.
- Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day. Drink your first fluid upon arising.
- Incorporate regular exercise on a daily basis.
- Never neglect the urge to have a bowel movement. It is important to give this immediate attention.
Reference
Nutritionist Five, Nutrition Analysis Computer Software Program, First Data Bank, 1998
|
If
you are a registered University
of Illinois student and you have questions or concerns,
If you are concerned about any difference in your treatment plan and the information in this handout, you are advised to contact your health care provider.
Visit the McKinley Health Center Web site at: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu |
||
|
HEd. VII-002 |
© The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, 2008. |
03-26-08 |
|
high_fiber |
||