Patient was educated on soluble dietary fiber as follows:
- Dietary fiber is classified into two types: Insoluble fiber and Soluble fiber. Vegetable sources usually have a mix of both the types.
- Soluble Fiber
- Fruits and legumes are a significant source of soluble fiber.
- This type of fiber swells with water and will help slow the digestion of food.
- This will lead to slow absorption of nutrients from the diet, including glucose.
- This will help nutrients to be absorbed at a steady rate and thereby, prevent spikes in the blood glucose.
- This property of slowing absorption of glucose will help reducing the amount of insulin secreted, as amount of insulin secretion is proportional to the blood glucose.
- Reduction in the insulin will also help in reduced fat synthesis and reduced cholesterol levels.
- Also, slowing the digestion of food will help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel, such as, diarrhea and loose stools.
