When it comes to improving gut health, increasing fiber intake is often recommended. However, it's important to do so gradually to avoid potential discomfort and bloating.
Roslyn, a nutrition expert, advises against overdoing it on fiber all at once. She suggests that individuals will experience better results and feel better if they slowly increase their fiber intake. Roslyn explains, "In order to build up your fiber intake, you have to start low and go slow."
Fiber is essential for gut health as it is fermented in the gut by beneficial gut microbes. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, which play a crucial role in healing the gut lining, reducing food sensitivities, decreasing inflammation, and more.
However, in individuals with constipation or a backed-up gut, a sudden increase in fiber intake can lead to discomfort in the form of bloating and gas. This discomfort can perpetuate the constipation cycle by creating more backup in the gut.
Therefore, it is important for individuals looking to improve their gut health through increased fiber intake to do so gradually and allow their bodies to adjust to the change.
