Fiber: Protector Against Respiratory Issues

It’s been long known now that fiber has many nutritional benefits. Whether it is to fight cardiovascular disease or diabetes or our struggles with “the bulge”, fiber helps. Fiber helps keep blood sugar levels steady, allow for less plaque formation to occur and to keep us fuller longer curbing our hunger cravings.

So now pegs the question, what of my diet can help my lungs? Let's take it from a large viewpoint, overall diet. As meeting with patients and clients, the message promoted is eating comprehensively well. Making sure that you are getting colorful veggies and fruits, minding your good fats, taking in ample high quality protein, making your carb choices complex and hydrate yourself.

A study conducted by University of North Carolina & Appalachian State University's Nutrition Departments found that a diet that consisting of PUFAs, Omega-3, animal protein and fiber, promoted lung function. 

Interestingly enough, there was a recent study was conducted where they took NHANES information collected from adults where spirometry measurements (lung function assessment) and fiber intake was available to compare. The study found that adults having a low fiber diet had a poorer respiratory function.

So how much is enough? Adequate intake of fiber would be 25-35 g per day. America, we are notoriously bad  at hitting this mark. So if you find yourself in that same boat then start to up your fiber game gradually, 3-5 grams per day until you hit the mark, should do the trick. Make your diet work for you!

In Best Health!