why should we care so much about fibre

What comes to mind when you think about fibre?
Metamucil, Raisin Bran, Bran Muffins or All Bran cereal. All of these are sources of fibre, but do you know why fibre is important?  

• Weight loss
• Hormonal balance via elimination of excess hormones
• Bowel regulation and digestion
• Elimination of toxins through the liver and colon
• Healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Gall bladder health

It acts as a binder to help ELIMINATE. It helps our body get rid of excess hormones, toxins, chemicals, fat, and cholesterol, along with slowing the absorption of sugar.
And most people don’t get enough!  The standard diet is deficient in fibre. I often recommend fibre supplements or increasing fibre intake through the diet to improve weight loss, bloating, digestion, hormones, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.  

Here are some ideas for increasing your fibre intake:

• Take a fibre supplement: Psyllium, metamucil and The Right Fibre4 from Costco have been common recommendations in my treatment plans recently. Make sure you drink enough water to support the effects of fibre and prevent a bowel blockage.
  
• Eat more beans.  Try to have ¼ -½ a cup of chickpeas, lima, edamame, black or kidney beans 2-3 times a week. Hummus is a great option or add beans to salads, chili, soups and stir-fries.  
  
• Add in seeds. Ground flax and chia are wonderful sources of fibre when added to smoothies, oatmeal, overnight oats, homemade muffins and protein balls.
  
• Eat more veggies!  No explanation needed... just do it!
  
• Choose whole grains. Especially with cereals and breads. Stone Mills and Silver Hills are my favourite commercial bread companies.  I've heard that Costco also carries a high fibre/low carb bread called Carbonaut.  
  

Who doesn’t like a good poop?! Fibre is satisfying! Increase your fibre intake and I promise you won’t regret it, and might feel better! 
Yours in health,
​Dr. Melissa Bingeman