Fibers and IBS

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is only found in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts/seeds, and whole grains. Unlike other carbohydrates, fiber is not fully broken down during digestion and reaches the colon mostly intact. In the colon, our gut bacteria begin to feast on the fiber remnants, and during this process, some people may experience discomfort, such as gas and fluid imbalances. We all have different levels of sensitivity to how much fiber we can “tolerate” before discomfort occurs.

So why is it important to eat fiber, even if it causes stomach issues? Fiber has numerous health benefits. Besides being excellent food for our beneficial gut bacteria, fiber also contributes to good cardiovascular health, oral health, and helps in maintaining a healthy weight. It’s known that most Swedes currently consume too little fiber. The goal is to get 25-35 grams per day, but the average intake is only 17 grams. We need to become better fiber hunters! So, how much is approximately 30 grams of fiber? Here’s an example: