What Is the Best Fiber Supplement for You?

More About Fiber

Dietary fiber is the structural part of plant foods—such as fruits, vegetables, and grains—that our bodies can’t digest.¹ Fiber is commonly classified into two different groups: soluble, which dissolves in water, and insoluble, which doesn’t dissolve in water.²

Soluble fiber is the type of fiber that dissolves in water to form a gel-like material, and can help support a healthy blood glucose and blood cholesterol level.¹ Types of soluble fiber include foods like oats, barley, bananas, potatoes, and dried beans.¹ Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water, but holds onto water, which can help produce softer, bulkier stools that can regulate bowel movements.² Foods such as nuts, corn, grapes, berries, and whole bran are different types of sources for insoluble fiber.²

The Many Benefits of a High-Fiber Diet

Now that you have a better understanding of what fiber is, there’s also more to explore as it relates to many benefits of having a diet that’s high in fiber. A high-fiber diet:

• Helps manage cholesterol levels – Foods such as beans, oats, and flaxseed are soluble fibers, and may help to manage total blood cholesterol levels by decreasing low-density lipoprotein (the “bad” cholesterol levels).³
• Helps support weight management – A high-fiber diet is known to be more filling than a low-fiber diet, which can help prevent overeating or hunger between meals.³
• Works to relieve occasional constipation – Fiber can help to regulate bowel movements by pulling water into the colon, producing softer, bulkier stools. This can help promote healthy and regular bowel movements.¹

Make sure to talk to your doctor about how increased fiber may affect you and your health before trying any major diet changes.

The Different Types of Fiber Supplements

If you are finding it difficult to get enough fiber from food alone, consider adding different sources of fiber to your diet. We pulled together a list of soluble fibers that you may find in supplemental sources, so that you can decide what to buy:

• Inulin – Inulin is a type of fiber common in a variety of fruits and vegetables. In supplements, inulin is often sourced from chicory root and is mostly made up of soluble fiber. Inulin fiber can help support gut bacteria, weight management and help support healthy blood sugar levels.⁴
• Psyllium (Husk) – Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. It is a source of soluble fiber that forms a sticky gel, which acts like a sponge to absorb some toxins, sugars and carbohydrates in the gut. Pysllium fiber can help support healthy blood sugar levels, manage blood cholesterol, and support a healthy digestive system.⁴
• Wheat Dextrin – This is produced as a by-product of the processing of wheat.⁴ It is a completely soluble fiber, which help those who wish to improve metabolic health.⁴
• Methylcellulose – This is one of the most popular, non-fermentable fibers, which means that it’s unlikely to cause digestive stress. Methylcellulose forms a gel within the digestive track, which can help to create bulkier stool.⁴

Before starting a fiber supplement regimen, you could discuss with your doctor which types of fiber may be best for you, depending on your needs. Be sure to drink at least 8 ounces of liquids a day with your supplement, as some supplements without adequate liquids can cause the fiber to swell and cause occasional constipation.¹ Find recipes that are high in fiber, such as this Red Lentil Chili recipe and this Garbanzo Bean Curry recipes.