Fiber

Pave the way for health and well-being!

Plant-based foods provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in calories. Fiber is much more than just unnecessary bulk. Comprehensive scientific studies show that it is precisely this fiber that is important for health and well-being.

Our immune system is closely linked to our diet and metabolism. Chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and allergies are on the rise. Although dietary fiber is largely indigestible, it is broken down into health-promoting waste products in the intestines. Dietary fiber has an anti-inflammatory effect. Plant-based foods are increasingly recognized as the key to treating many diseases of modern civilization.

"Health lies in the gut." Studies show that fiber consumption stimulates the growth of "good" bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Over 1,000 species of bacteria live in the digestive tract. However, the intestinal inhabitants are not only made up of bacteria. They also include primordial bacteria, viruses, fungi, and single-celled organisms. The combination of this community of bacteria is different for each person. Each person has their own personal, unique "mix."

Now, unhealthy foods promote the proliferation of unhealthy microbes. Fast food, as well as smoking, alcohol, medications, and stress, all damage a healthy intestinal flora. Progressive drying of the intestinal wall leads to irritation and ultimately inflammation. The intestine is 70% of the "main residence" of our immune system. Only an intact intestinal mucosa provides a strong barrier against pathogens.

Fiber acts like a sponge, absorbing toxins and difficult-to-digest substances. This allows the pathogenic substances to be excreted more quickly with the food pulp. The harmful substances therefore do not linger on the gastrointestinal mucosa for long.

Cholesterol bound with fiber can also be excreted more easily.

Soluble fiber is predominantly a type of prebiotic. Prebiotics are not living microorganisms but are themselves a food source for the "good" gut bacteria. Prebiotics stimulate the growth and proliferation of good gut bacteria.

A change to a high-fiber diet leads to a healthier intestinal microbiome after just two weeks. Doctors have discovered that the condition of our intestines influences brain functions. This enteric nervous system—popularly known as the "gut brain"—affects our emotional life and memory performance.

Which foods are good sources of fiber?

Pulses, psyllium husks, oat flakes, oat bran, potatoes, flax seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables are healthy sources of fiber.

To avoid overtaxing the intestines, you should gradually transition from a low-fiber diet to a high-fiber one. Particular attention should be paid to adequate fluid intake and thorough chewing.

Although the name alone does not promise it, fiber brings “lightness” to our everyday lives.