Patient/caregiver was educated on advantages of soluble fiber as follows:
- Human body lacks enzyme systems that can digest fiber. Since fiber is poorly metabolized and digested in the human body, fiber hardly contributes any to calorie count.
- Since, fiber passes through the stomach and intestines poorly digested and unabsorbed, it remains in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Soluble fiber dissolves with water in the stomach and forms a gel in the gastrointestinal system.
- Formation of gel by soluble fiber can slow the process of digestion of food and absorption of nutrients in the stomach and intestines.
- By doing this, soluble fiber can contribute to reduced and slowed absorption of sugars and fats in the diet.
- Compromised absorption of sugars and fats with soluble fiber can contribute to reduced cholesterol levels in the body and improved blood sugar control.
- Reduced cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control with soluble fiber can help individuals with hypertension, heart disease, and poorly controlled diabetes.
- Also, slowed digestion of food with soluble fiber helps staying full longer, contributing to controlled eating. This reduced appetite and diminished intake with soluble fiber can help individuals with obesity in weight loss and attaining a healthy weight. This can also help individuals with diabetes in improving blood sugar control.
- By forming gel with water, soluble fiber helps softening of stool, which helps with easy elimination and prevent constipation. Stool softening with soluble fiber can help prevent complications, such as, development of hemorrhoids and intestinal bleeding, thus maintaining intestinal health.
