What is fibre?

Fibre is type of carbohydrate which is extremely important to ensure a healthy digestive system. It is part of plant based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fruits, grains and beans that is not able to be broken down and absorbed by humans.

According to Nutrition Australia there are a few main categories of fibre:

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Soluble fibre- slows down the process of our stomachs emptying into the rest of the digestive tract which makes you feel fuller for longer. It can also help to lower cholesterol and stabilise your blood glucose levels.

Sources- fruits, vegetables, oats, barley and legumes.

 

Insoluble fibre- absorbs water to help to soften the contents of our bowels and support regular bowel movements. It also helps to keep us full and keep the bowel environment healthy.

Sources- whole-grains, nuts, seeds, some cereals such as wheat bran and vegetable & fruit skins.

 

Resistant starch- is not digested in the small intestine and instead proceeds to the large intestine where it can assist in the production of good bacteria and improves bowel health.

Sources- twice cooked sweet potato or rice (cooked, cooled and reheated).

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How will it help me detox?

When fibre moves through our digestive tract, it acts as a digestive broom, sweeping away all the toxins and unwanted matter stuck in our digestive tract. It also feeds our beneficial bacteria which protects our intestinal lining and improves our immunity via the gut-associated lymphatic tissue, which will alleviate the stress on our other organs of elimination such as our liver and kidneys so that they can do their jobs more effectively. It also ensures that we are having more regular, well-formed bowel movements so that all those toxins are being carried out and aren't left behind and being reabsorbed back into the blood. 

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