Don’t Forget the Fiber!

June 1st, 2012

As high protein, low carbohydrate diets are becoming more popular, I am noticing a surge of people presenting with constipation and hemorrhoids.  I believe some of these are caused by a lack of fiber in the diet.  If you think about food with high amounts of fiber, these include brown rice, whole wheat bread, and prunes, which are often prohibited in weight loss diets.

It is extremely important to have adequate fiber intake without adding extra calories.  Fiber is also important if you have high cholesterol.  You should aim to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in your day or consider adding a fiber supplement to your routine.  Psyllium is an excellent source of fiber. It is sold under many different brands like Metamucil or Konsyl.  I prefer the powder that you mix with water, as the water will also help with constipation.  However, the taste can take some adjustment.  If this is an issue, the same psyllium is available in capsule form.