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Fiber - Food Sources

Alternative Names

Diet - fiber; Roughage; Bulk

Food Sources:

There are two forms of fiber: soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. This slows digestion. Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. Soluble fiber has been scientifically proven to lower cholesterol, which can help prevent heart disease.

Insoluble fiber is found in foods such as wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains. It appears to speed the passage of foods through the stomach and intestines and adds bulk to the stool.

  • Reviewed last on: 7/22/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Slavin JL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: health Implications of Dietary Fiber. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108: 1716-1731.

Burleson K. Coronary artery disease. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 28.

Park D, Ring M. Peripheral vascular disease. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 29.

Underbakke G, McBride P. Dyslipidemias. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 40.

Hanaway P. Irritable bowel syndrome. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 41.

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