Fiber: The Essential Nutrient You’re Probably Not Getting Enough Of
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often trumps nutrition. Processed foods, quick meals, and refined ingredients dominate modern diets, leaving one crucial nutrient in short supply—fiber. Despite its underrated status, fiber plays a vital role in digestion, heart health, and overall well-being. Let’s explore why fiber is essential, what happens when we don’t get enough, and the best ways to increase our intake, including top dōTERRA supplements for fiber support.
Why Is Fiber So Important?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. Unlike sugars and starches that break down into glucose, fiber passes through the digestive system largely intact, providing essential benefits:
1. Supports Digestive Health – Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome by feeding beneficial bacteria.
2. Aids in Weight Management – High-fiber foods keep you full longer, reducing overeating and cravings.
3. Balances Blood Sugar – Soluble fiber slows down digestion, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.
4. Lowers Cholesterol – Fiber binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract, helping to remove excess from the body.
5. Reduces Risk of Disease – A high-fiber diet is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Fiber?
A fiber-deficient diet can lead to several health issues, including:
- Constipation and digestive discomfort
- Increased risk of weight gain and obesity
- Higher cholesterol levels and heart disease risk
- Blood sugar imbalances and higher risk of diabetes
- Weakened gut health and poor nutrient absorption
Since most modern diets are low in fiber due to processed foods and refined grains, supplementation can be a helpful solution.
The Best Sources of Fiber
Whole, natural foods are the best way to get fiber. Here are some of the top sources:
- Fruits – Apples, pears, berries, oranges, bananas
- Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens
- Legumes – Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, peas
- Whole Grains – Oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread/pasta
- Nuts & Seeds – Chia seeds, flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts
Boosting Fiber Intake with dōTERRA Supplements
If you struggle to get enough fiber from food alone, dōTERRA offers high-quality supplements to fill the gap:
1. dōTERRA Fiber – A blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, this supplement supports digestion, gut health, and regularity while also promoting a healthy metabolism.
2. TerraZyme® Digestive Enzyme Complex – While not a fiber supplement, TerraZyme aids in breaking down food efficiently, helping your body better utilize fiber-rich foods.
3. PB Assist+® Probiotic Defense Formula – A healthy gut microbiome enhances the benefits of fiber by improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating more fiber into your diet doesn’t have to be difficult. By eating a variety of fiber-rich foods and supplementing when needed, you can support your digestive system, heart health, and overall well-being. Whether through whole foods or dōTERRA’s high-quality supplements, prioritizing fiber is one of the best things you can do for your body.
Are you getting enough fiber? If not, what small changes can you make today?