Low Fiber Diet Linked to Weight Gain

A recent study has shown a high-fiber diet is almost as effective as a calorie-restrictive one in terms of weight loss. 

However, a study on mice, published in the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, shows fiber may affect body weight in an entirely new and different way.

Mice fed a diet low in soluble fiber gained weight and had more body fat when compared to mice fed a diet that included soluble fiber.

Researchers believe the mice gained weight because soluble fiber is essential for a healthy gut microbiota.

The lack of soluble fiber contributed to inflammation in the intestines and poor gut health. These factors were thought to be the underlying contributors to the weight gain.

After two days without soluble fiber, the intestines in the soluble-fiber-deficient mice became shorter and their intestinal walls became thinner.

Without soluble fiber, it seems the gut flora were unable to produce a sufficient quantity of short-chain fatty acids the intestinal cells need to make energy. These short-chain fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties.

When the mice were once again given soluble fiber, their guts returned to normal and the inflammation disappeared.

"If our observations were to prove applicable to humans, it would suggest that encouraging consumption of foods with high soluble fiber content may be a means to combat the epidemic of metabolic disease." - Medical Xpress

For soluble and insoluble fiber, there is Herbal Fiberblend as well as fit 'n fiber.