Most of us know that fibre is good for our health, but have you ever stopped to wonder why it’s so beneficial or which foods are high in fibre? In this article you'll discover the types of fibre, their benefits, and practical ways to increase fibre intake to support your wellbeing.

How to Increase Fibre Intake for Better Health

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies can’t fully digest. Unlike other carbs, fibre passes through our digestive system without being broken down and absorbed. This quality makes it a superstar nutrient for keeping our gut and overall health in check.

Though fibre comes in many forms, it’s typically categorised into two main types: soluble fibre and insoluble fibre. Both types are beneficial, but they work in slightly different ways.

Soluble Fibre

Soluble fibre dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance in your gut once consumed. It is found in a variety of foods, such as:

Benefits of soluble fibre:

In essence, soluble fibre acts as an internal support system for your body, keeping everything running smoothly.

Insoluble Fibre

Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, doesn’t dissolve in water and is found in the cell walls of plants. This stubborn fibre resists digestive enzymes, which means it helps speed up the movement of waste material through your digestive system.

The benefits here are remarkable too:

This type of fibre helps keep your digestive system functioning efficiently by ensuring smooth and regular elimination of waste material.

Are You Eating Enough Fibre?

Health experts recommend that adults aim for 30g of fibre a day, yet most of us are only consuming about 20g or less. That means many of us are missing out on these vital health benefits!

By making mindful food choices and consciously working to increase fibre intake, you can give your body the boost it needs.

Boosting your fibre intake doesn’t just support your gut health, it can also contribute to better heart health, improved weight management, and a lower risk of chronic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes. 

Small changes to your diet can make a significant difference to your overall wellbeing, we've provided 5 tips to increase your fibre intake below.