These notes give an overall guide to your stay in hospital. You may see some differences in the details of your treatment, since it is tailored to suit your own condition.
 

• What is fibre?
  
  
• Functions of fibre
  
  
• Types of fibre

WHAT IS FIBRE?

FUNCTIONS OF FIBRE

The most common reason for a high fibre diet is to prevent or alleviate constipation or haemorrhoids. Fibre in the gut absorbs water, and thus increases volume and results in a softer more formed stool. By increasing the volume, it also acts as a stimulus for movement of the intestinal contents. Fibre is therefore very useful in the management of irritable bowel disease.

In diverticular disease, fibre is of benefit as it decreases the intraluminal (intestinal) pressure and increases motility.

If you are overweight or obese fibre can help to alleviate your condition. It will make you feel fuller as well as give you greater satisfaction when eating, as food tends to be bulkier, take longer to chew and longer to empty from the stomach. A high fibre diet is always recommended when following a weight reducing diet.

Soluble fibre (see types of fibre) plays a role in lowering blood glucose in diabetes and likewise cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemia.

Fibre has also been found to play a protective role against cancer of the colon.

Other conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, hiatus hernia, high blood pressure and varicose veins have been found to be less common amongst groups of people following a high fibre diet.

TYPES OF FIBRE

• Insoluble fibre - the major role is absorption of water and providing increased bulk. Sources include Unrefined products of wheat, rice, sorghum and rye.
• Soluble fibre - the major role is decreasing absorption of cholesterol and glucose into the blood. Sources include dry beans, peas and lentils, oats and some fruits (e.g. apples, strawberries and citrus fruits). Soluble fibre forms a gel due to the ability of the fibre to "hold" water.