22/08/2025
Happy Fibre Friday!
Are you getting enough fibre?
The vast majority of my clients aren't when they first engage with me. Statistics from the NHS show the same picture. They show that the majority of people are not getting enough fibre in their diet.
Fibre ensures that our digestive system is working well to absorb nutrients and eradicate toxins and wastes properly. It regulates our blood sugar levels and makes us feel “full” before we eat too much.
Science shows that the health of our gut is way more important than previously thought. It affects our immunity to diseases (your gut is 70% of your immune system), our mental health, and our susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
With respect to today’s most common chronic health issues, fibre is important for:
✅Promoting weight loss
✅Preventing type 2 diabetes
✅Preventing heart and cardiovascular disease
✅Preventing stroke
✅Preventing bowel cancer
An adult should be getting 30g of fibre in their diet daily.
There are 3 types of fibre:
1️⃣Soluble fibre dissolves in water.
🍏Attracts water in the body to form a gel.
🍏Slows digestion and regulates blood sugar.
🍏Has a filling (satiating) effect.
🍏Good sources include: Oats, legumes, apples, oranges, pears, strawberries, nuts, flaxseed, psyllium, cucumbers, celery, carrots.
2️⃣Insoluble fibre doesn’t dissolve in water.
🥕 Helps move waste through the intestines, encouraging regular bowel movements.
🥕Good sources include: Whole grains, bran, seeds, nuts, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, onions, courgettes, celery, dark leafy greens
3️⃣Good bacteria feeding fibre:
🧅Short Chain Fatty Acids - support intestinal barrier*
🧅Prevents undesirable compounds getting through
🧅Good sources include: Chicory, garlic, onion, artichokes
*Prevents harmful substances like pathogens and toxins from entering the bloodstream. Prevents the development of autoimmune disease.
For core guidance on getting more fibre in your diet and understanding what 30g of fibre looks like, visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/digestive-health/how-to-get-more-fibre-into-your-diet/