Aug 29 (edited) in General discussion
Rethinking fibre
Struggling with gas and bloating?
Experiencing symptoms of IBS or autoimmune conditions?
Feeling low or dealing with depressive symptoms?
If any of these resonate with you, read on.
Let’s Put Fibre Into Context...
What is fibre? Fibre is essentially the indigestible portion of carbohydrates. These chains of sugars, known as polysaccharides, are linked in a way that human intestines cannot break down or absorb. Unlike some animals that can ferment fibre into usable energy, humans lack the enzymes and specialized bacteria required for this process.
Fibre comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Neither provides direct nutritional value to humans because they cannot be absorbed.
- Insoluble fibre (e.g., cellulose) does not dissolve in water and primarily acts as a bulking agent. Foods like leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains contain this type of fibre.
- Soluble fibre (e.g., pectin) dissolves in water and forms a gel. You’ll find this in foods like apples, oats, and beans. While it can be partially fermented by gut bacteria, this process often leads to gas production and other digestive discomfort.
Is Fibre Really Necessary?
Advocates claim that fibre feeds the gut microbiome, but it’s worth questioning whether this is truly beneficial for everyone. The bacteria that ferment fibre can trigger inflammation and even contribute to autoimmune responses. Gluten, for example, can aggravate conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In fact, some individuals see a reduction in inflammation and significant improvement in their symptoms by eliminating grains and high-fibre foods from their diet.
Rethinking Fibre’s Role in Your Health
We’re often told fibre helps with digestion and cholesterol control. But here’s something to consider: cholesterol is essential for a healthy brain and body, so why are we trying to reduce its absorption with fiber? And while fibre may bulk up stools, animals that eat a purely carnivorous diet manage without it, having natural, healthy bowel movements without the need for fibre.
Fiber, whether soluble or insoluble, can cause fermentation in the colon, producing gas, ethanol, and even small amounts of alcohol, all of which your body has to process. This might contribute to symptoms like gas, bloating, and even conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Fibre and Chronic Health Conditions
There’s also evidence to suggest that a diet high in fibre, particularly from grains and legumes, may contribute to diverticulitis, polyps, and other intestinal issues. Despite being promoted as a cancer-preventing nutrient, fibre could be contributing to inflammation in the gut, potentially leading to the growth of harmful cells.
A Personal Experience
From my own experience, I’ve seen remarkable health improvements after eliminating fiber from my diet. No more gas, bloating, or discomfort. It’s led me to question the current medical advice that promotes high-fibre diets, especially for individuals suffering from chronic illness or gut-related conditions. Could the fibre we’re told to consume be doing more harm than good?
The Takeaway
We’ve moved far from our evolutionary diet, and it may be worth rethinking fibre’s role in our health. Instead of blindly following traditional dietary recommendations, I encourage you to question whether fibre is truly benefiting your body. If you’re dealing with ongoing digestive issues or autoimmune symptoms, it might be worth exploring a lower-fibre or even fibre-free diet to see how your body responds.
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Rethinking fibre
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