The human organism is considered by leading physicians to be an extremely complex system. In order for this system to function smoothly, special building blocks must be ingested through the daily diet. Among these building blocks are dietary fiber.
What are dietary fibers?
Dietary fiber performs numerous important functions in the human body. Dietary fiber is any component of food that cannot be processed by the human digestive system. Basically, dietary fiber helps to bind water. As a result, a strong feeling of satiety sets in after only a short time. In addition, digestion is positively influenced. In recent years, dietary fiber has been repeatedly subjected to closer scrutiny.
Medical and health tasks and functions
The ingested dietary fiber primarily slows down digestion. As a result, carbohydrates in the diet are absorbed relatively slowly by the body. The slowed absorption of carbohydrates has a positive effect on blood glucose levels. There is therefore no rapid rise in blood glucose levels. At the same time, a rapid drop in blood glucose levels can also be prevented. The blood glucose level plays an essential role in relation to the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. Only when there is a constant blood glucose level can obesity be prevented. Therefore, athletes in particular should consume a sufficient amount of dietary fiber. Provided that a sufficient amount of dietary fiber is ingested, muscle growth can be positively influenced. Following intake, dietary fibers increase the sensitivity of special receptors. These receptors are located in muscle tissue. Only when the sensitivity of the receptors is increased, the muscle tissue can obtain the required carbohydrates from the blood. The obtained carbohydrates are needed to produce muscle glycogen. In modern medicine, dietary fiber is divided into both water-soluble fiber and water-insoluble fiber. Water-soluble fiber has a significant influence on the health of the intestinal mucosa. However, regular bowel movements can only be ensured if water-insoluble dietary fibers are consumed. According to leading physicians, the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber is about 30 grams. The recommended guideline values should always be adhered to. Only then will dietary fiber provide effective protection against disease.
Diseases, ailments and disorders
As has already been mentioned, dietary fiber can have a positive effect on digestion. However, an oversupply of dietary fiber can lead to constipation. For this reason, adequate fluid intake should be ensured as part of a high-fiber diet. Low-fiber foods can noticeably stimulate the appetite. If, for example, the implementation of a diet is being considered, high-fiber foods should be consumed. However, the dietary fibers contained in food not only have a positive effect on a person’s dietary behavior. Meanwhile, dietary fiber is considered to be an effective protection against numerous diseases. In the absence of a regular intake of dietary fiber, the risk of developing diabetes can increase rapidly. In addition, it can lead to serious diseases in the cardiovascular system. As part of an extensive study, the dietary protocols of more than 5,000 subjects were evaluated. The study covered a period of two years. A large number of the participants preferred a low-fiber diet during the study. As a result of the low-fiber diet, most of them developed diseases such as tooth decay. Often, the subjects also developed gallstones. The blood values of said test subjects also did not meet the required guideline values. Elevated fat levels were found particularly frequently in the study. The subjects’ cholesterol levels were also significantly above the guideline values. An excessive lack of dietary fiber can even lead to life-threatening complications under certain circumstances. Metabolic disorders are repeatedly diagnosed as the result of a low-fiber diet.Dietary fiber can also be used to prevent diseases such as colon cancer. In addition, dietary fiber provides effective protection against serious diseases such as high blood pressure.
