The foods you eat and the lifestyle you lead have a tremendous influence on the health of your digestive system. Staying active, staying hydrated and making sure that your diet contains an abundance of plant foods are all key to digestive health. Let’s take a closer look at two plant components – fibre and aloe – and how they help support the health of your digestive system.
What is Fibre?
Fibre is the structural portion of a plant, so it’s found in good-for-you foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Most people think of fibre as the substance that helps to keep the digestive process moving. And certain fibres do just that. But not all fibres function the same way, which is why we discuss two types of fibre – soluble and insoluble fibre – both of which contribute to digestive health, but in different ways.
Two Types of Fibre
Soluble fibre– found in foods like apples, oranges, carrots, potatoes, oats, barley and beans – thickens and swells up when it comes in contact with liquid. So, when you eat these foods, they swell up in the watery environment of your stomach and help to fill you up. Soluble fibres also slow the absorption of sugar from the blood stream, so they can also help to keep blood sugar levels more even throughout the day in healthy people. If that weren’t enough, soluble fibre also functions as a prebiotic – meaning it encourages the growth of good bacteria (probiotics) in your digestive tract – by acting as a food source.
Insoluble fibre – sometimes called “roughage” also supports the health of your digestive tract, but in a different way. Insoluble fibres don’t dissolve in water – instead, they simply absorb water in the lower tract, which makes the fibre bulkier. This type of fibre – which is found in most vegetables and whole grains – speeds the passage of waste through your digestive system, so it helps to keep you regular.
How to Get More Fibre in Your Diet
Adults should be eating around 30 grams of fibre a day, but the average intake among adults in Australia and New Zealand often falls short of that. When we’re eating on the go, we’re less likely to find fibre-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Since your body needs both types of fibre, it’s best to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Aim to have a fruit or vegetable with every meal or snack, toss some beans into a soup or salad, and choose whole grains over refined “white” breads, cereals, rice and pasta. Not only will you get both types of fibre, you’ll also benefit from the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that these healthy foods contain.
Aloe Also Promotes Digestive Health
Aloe is promoted as a tonic for the digestive system, since it helps to support nutrient absorption and overall digestive health. As foods pass through the digestive system, nutrients and water are absorbed in the intestines so the body can utilise them, while waste is passed through.
When designed for oral use, aloe is available in several forms including Aloe Vera juice, liquid concentrate, or as a dried aloe extract designed to be mixed with beverages such as water and tea. Some forms of aloe also have a light, refreshing flavour, which encourages you to take in more fluids. In that way, aloe can do double duty for your digestive system – you get the digestive support and you might be better hydrated, too.
By SUSAN BOWERMAN
MS, RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND,
Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition.