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

A trip to the farmers domain this weekend would offer an easy and delicious way to improve your digestive and metabolic physical condition Springtime is my favorite time to go to the farmers industry noted 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 hurriedly and reduces constipation In the spring you can find fresh asparagus and fresh artichokes noted Youssef Fresh artichokes are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber and asparagus has that prebiotic which supports gut wellness Youssef says peas fava beans and other legumes pack fiber and plant protein And while you re there pick up a few 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 announced 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 announced Youssef Of discipline our tried and true prunes tend to be helpful with fiber and are a good natural laxative stated Youssef The American Heart Association recommends between and grams of fiber a day in a well-balanced diet Jumping too hurriedly into high-fiber eating can cause gas bloating and cramps disclosed 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 noted Youssef Fiber demands 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