{"id":209,"date":"2019-07-09T23:20:39","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T23:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.justbetterfiber.com\/?p=209"},"modified":"2019-07-09T23:47:53","modified_gmt":"2019-07-09T23:47:53","slug":"the-future-of-fiber","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.justbetterfiber.com\/pages\/2019\/07\/09\/the-future-of-fiber\/","title":{"rendered":"The Future of Fiber:"},"content":{"rendered":"

Closing the Fiber Gap with just better.<\/strong>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong> Prebiotic Fiber Supplement<\/strong><\/p>\n

By: Kristin M. Hirano, MS, RD, CN, CD \u2013 Registered Dietitian<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/p>\n

97% of Americans do not eat enough fiber.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

Research has shown that this nutrient deficiency has been linked to multiple chronic health implications and consequences. Clinical studies demonstrate an inverse correlation between dietary fiber intake and the prevalence of chronic disease including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.\u00a0 Findings show that populations of people around the world who consume high fiber diets weigh less and have far less chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

Dietary fiber is found in plants such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.\u00a0 Unfortunately, recent dietary trends have contributed to Americans consuming large amounts of highly processed, low fiber foods. These trends have resulted in widespread fiber deficiency among Americans.<\/p>\n

Most dietitians and healthcare professionals recommend a diet sourced from whole foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds in order to obtain sufficient intake of dietary fiber.<\/p>\n

However, some individuals may not be able to consume the recommended amount of fiber solely from their diet for a variety of reasons such as food restrictions due to allergies\/sensitivities, lack of access, fast-paced\/busy lifestyles, or simply due to cost. For those who cannot meet their dietary fiber goals on a daily basis, a fiber supplement may be advised.<\/p>\n

A fiber supplement can be a simple and convenient way to improve dietary fiber intake without requiring individuals to dramatically change their food choices or force individuals to follow unsustainable restrictive diets.<\/p>\n

just better.\u00ae<\/sup> prebiotic soluble fiber \u00a0is \u00a0tasteless and can be added to current foods and beverages to promote weight loss[3]<\/a>, prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes[4]<\/a>, reduce cholesterol[5]<\/a> and triglycerides[6]<\/a>, resolve GI distress and provide fuel for the good probiotic bacteria in the gut[7]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Fiber Deficiency Gap<\/p>\n

Dietary fiber intake in the United States is alarmingly low.\u00a0 Fiber deficiency is at the core of many of our most common chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and coronary heart disease.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

According to American dietary guidelines, adult men and women should be consuming 38 grams and 28 grams, respectively, of dietary fiber daily.[8]<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"97%<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unfortunately, as noted above, 97% of Americans do not eat enough fiber.\u00a0 In fact, most Americans only consume around 14 grams of dietary fiber per day, and some people consume much less.[9]<\/a><\/p>\n

The following chart shows the amount of dietary fiber recommended in comparison to the average actual intake of American men and women.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Source:
Source: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2011-2012.<\/p>\n

Potential Reasons for the Fiber Deficiency Gap<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Diet Trends<\/strong>
    \nPotential reasons Americans are not consuming enough fiber include weight loss diets and typical eating trends in the United States.<\/p>\n

    The number of active dieters in the United States is currently estimated at 97 million and the U.S. weight loss market is currently estimated to be worth a record $66 billion.[10]<\/a><\/p>\n

    As a result, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of weight loss plans, diets and eating trends marketed through television, the internet, mobile devices and other forms of media.<\/p>\n

    Many of the most popular diets and eating trends in the United States recommend carbohydrate restriction and often grain and fruit elimination, such as the low carb, Paleo, gluten free, Atkins, and ketogenic diets.<\/p>\n

    As a result, individuals who restrict their carbohydrates, including grains, fruits, legumes, and starchy vegetables are usually unable to consume the recommended amount of daily fiber.<\/p>\n

    Many fad diets push the idea that all<\/em> carbs are bad.\u00a0 Of course, overconsumption of some<\/em> types of carbohydrates can be a problem for some<\/em> people.\u00a0 However in general \u2013 cutting an entire food group or food groups out of one\u2019s diet is a recipe for nutrient deficiencies and other health issues.<\/li>\n

  2. Historical Eating Trends<\/strong>\n

    The following historical events are other potential reasons why fiber intake is so low among Americans:<\/p>\n