STEADFAST TRAINING GLOSSARY
Definition
Dietary fiber includes carbohydrate components of plant foods that resist digestion by human digestive enzymes in the small intestine.
What it means
Fiber types differ in properties such as solubility, viscosity and fermentability. That means one fiber source may behave differently from another. Foods containing fiber also provide different combinations of nutrients.
A practical example
Oats, beans, fruits and vegetables can contribute fiber. A food label reports grams per serving, so check the serving size when comparing products.
Putting it into practice
Choose sources and amounts that fit the individual. More is not automatically appropriate during every digestive condition or recovery phase. People with Crohn’s disease, strictures or recent bowel surgery may need specific guidance from their clinical team rather than a generic high fiber target.
Related terms
Satiety · Macronutrients · Energy Density
Explore further
Calorie calculator and daily energy estimates · Browse the glossary