Going to the farmers market this weekend? Fiber is tasty, easy way to improve digestive, metabolic health

A trip to the farmers territory this weekend would offer an easy and delicious way to improve your digestive and metabolic fitness Springtime is my favorite time to go to the farmers realm commented Christie Youssef a family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician for Kaiser Permanente in Fair Oaks Virginia There s tons of really beautiful and fresh fiber-rich foods There are two kinds of fiber soluble and insoluble Soluble fiber when mixed with liquid forms a gel which helps control blood sugar and reduces cholesterol Insoluble fiber adds bulk and helps food pass through the digestive tract more expeditiously and reduces constipation In the spring you can find fresh asparagus and fresh artichokes revealed Youssef Fresh artichokes are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber and asparagus has that prebiotic which supports gut fitness Youssef says peas fava beans and other legumes pack fiber and plant protein And while you re there pick up various spinach kale and swiss chard because we know green leafy vegetables contribute to moderate fiber And it s not just vegetables Don t forget the berries mentioned Youssef Early season berries are sweet but they re also high in fiber and antioxidants Raspberries pears and apples have fiber content as does avocado revealed Youssef Of discipline our tried and true prunes tend to be helpful with fiber and are a good natural laxative declared Youssef The American Heart Association recommends between and grams of fiber a day in a well-balanced diet Jumping too briskly into high-fiber eating can cause gas bloating and cramps declared Youssef You want to be careful to go slow and increase your fiber by five grams per week In addition staying well-hydrated can help when increasing fiber into a diet stated Youssef Fiber requirements water to move it through the gut effectively and if you lightly cook vegetables and beans that will make them gentler on the gut Source