How much fibre do you need? What are good sources of it? And should you purchase food with added protein?
Lorraine Cooney, gut health and IBS dietitian at Blackrock Health and author, joins me on this week’s episode of the Real Health podcast.
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods that the body cannot fully digest. Instead of being broken down for energy, fibre passes through the digestive system and helps keep it working properly. It adds bulk to stool, which supports regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. Fibre also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting gut health and immunity.
I asked the dietitian ‘do we get enough fibre in Ireland?’ She explained, “We are dramatically deficient in fibre in Ireland. We should aim for 30 grams a day, but I think that’s maybe even a minimum. A lot of the studies would recommend 50 grams. Our ancestors would have consumed 100 grams. We’re at around the 18 grams in Ireland.”
You can listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your podcasts.