When you increase your intake of plants, you will naturally increase the amount of fiber you are eating, but be sure to include plenty of high fiber foodslike beans, chia seeds, flaxseeds, lentils, berries, and psyllium, back in the day.
Fiber, especially prebiotic fiber, feeds your gut bacteria, and when metabolized, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced in the process. According to gastroenterologist and expert in intestinal health Will Bulsiewicz, MD, MSCI, SCFAs balance your gut (increasing good bacteria while eliminating bad), support your immune system, lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and improve brain function. “They are the currency of gut health,” he says. “And we get them exclusively from prebiotic fiber.”
Note: If your diet is low in fiber now, it’s a good idea to slowly introduce high-fiber foods over a period of a couple of weeks. This gives your gut time to adjust to the change. If you eat too much fiber too quickly, it can lead to a buildup of gas that leads to uncomfortable problems like bloating, upset stomach, and flatulence.
.
