You probably aren’t getting enough fibre in your food – here’s why that can be a problem and how to fix it

WHAT ABOUT FIBRE SUPPLEMENTS?

If you can’t meet your fibre goals with whole foods alone, “by all means, add a supplement”, Dr Whelan said. For the most health benefits, choose a supplement that contains several fibre types rather than just one, he suggested.

To address a specific concern, like constipation or high cholesterol, consult your health care provider about the most appropriate fibre supplement for you, Haller said. And know that some fibre supplements, such as psyllium, can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, so they should be taken several hours apart.

It’s also common for people to lean more on fibre supplements as they age, Dr Slavin said. Older adults may be more susceptible to constipation if they’re less physically active or have a more limited diet, and a daily fibre supplement can be a big help, she said.

“If we keep our gut happy, we can be happy,” Dr Slavin said. “And fibre is a big piece of that.”

By Alice Callahan © The New York Times Company

The article originally appeared in The New York Times.