Feeling bloated after enjoying a high-fiber meal? You’re not alone. Many people experience bloating when they start incorporating more fiber into their diet. While fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system, it can sometimes lead to uncomfortable bloating if your body isn’t used to it. In this blog, we’ll explore why this happens and share practical tips to help your body adjust to a high-fiber diet smoothly. Whether you’re looking to improve your digestive health, manage your weight, or control your blood sugar levels, understanding how to incorporate fiber effectively can make a significant difference.
What is Fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods that the body cannot digest. Unlike other carbs that are broken down into sugars, fiber passes through the digestive system relatively intact. There are two main types of fiber:
- Soluble Fiber: This type dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley, and psyllium.
- Insoluble Fiber: This type does not dissolve in water. It adds bulk to the stool and helps food pass more quickly through the stomach and intestines. Sources include whole grains, nuts, beans, and vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes.
What Happens When You Eat Too Much Fiber?
While fiber is essential for good health, consuming too much fiber, especially when your body isn’t used to high fiber diet, it can cause discomfort. Here are some common symptoms of excessive fiber intake:
- Bloating and Gas: Excess fiber can lead to gas and bloating as your body tries to break down and ferment the undigested fiber in the intestines.
- Constipation or Diarrhea: Too much fiber, especially without enough water, can lead to constipation. Conversely, sudden high fiber intake can cause diarrhea.
- Stomach Cramping: Excessive fiber can cause your digestive system to work overtime, leading to cramping and discomfort.
Why High-Fiber Foods Can Cause Bloating in Stomach
Bloating from high-fiber foods is common, especially if you switch suddenly from a low-fiber diet. Since fiber isn’t digested by the stomach and small intestine, it moves to the large intestine, where gut bacteria ferment it, producing gas. Additionally, fiber absorbs water and can slow down digestion if you’re not well-hydrated, causing bloating and constipation. The sudden increase in fiber requires your gut bacteria to adjust, leading to increased gas production and discomfort. To reduce these effects, gradually increase your fiber intake and drink plenty of water, allowing your digestive system time to adjust.
A Gentle Introduction to High-Fiber Ruby Roti
To help your body adjust and avoid any discomfort, we recommend a gradual approach to incorporating Ruby Roti Atta into your meals.Not only is it high in fiber, but it also provides other benefits, including being gluten-free and rich in plant-based protein. Here’s our suggested plan:
Week 1-2: Start Slow
- Begin by consuming one Ruby Roti per meal. This allows your digestive system to get used to the higher fiber content without overwhelming it.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydrate well when taking fiber to help it move smoothly through your digestive system.
Week 3 and Beyond: Gradual Increase
- Once your body has adjusted, gradually increase your intake to two Ruby Rotis per meal.
- Continue to stay hydrated and listen to your body. If you experience any discomfort, consider increasing the portion size more gradually.
Benefits of Fiber for Diabetic Patients
Fiber, especially from high-fiber foods like Ruby Roti, which has a good combination of soluble and insoluble fiber, offers several benefits for those managing diabetes:
- Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Fiber slows the absorption of sugar, which helps prevent spikes in blood glucose levels after meals. Ruby Roti, with its low glycemic index (Low GI), helps regulate blood sugar more effectively, making it a better choice for diabetic patients.
- Improves Digestive Health: Fiber helps keep your digestive system healthy by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
- Increases Satiety: High-fiber foods are more filling than low-fiber foods, which can help you control your appetite and support weight management.
- Lowers Cholesterol Levels: Soluble fiber can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for heart health, and a common concern for people with diabetes.
Additional Tips for Managing Fiber Intake
- Hydrate with Fiber: Drinking water is crucial when increasing fiber in your diet. It helps prevent constipation and keeps your digestive system running smoothly.
- Pair with Probiotic-Rich Foods: Including probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can improve digestion.
- Balanced Diet: Ensure your meals are balanced with a mix of protein, healthy fats, and good carbohydrates. Ruby Roti matches this profile perfectly.
How Ruby Roti is Better Than Other Flours
- When comparing Ruby Roti to regular wheat flour, it’s clear that Ruby Roti stands out, particularly regarding fiber content.
- High Fiber Content: Ruby Roti contains a remarkable 20 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams, whereas regular wheat flour only has about 12.2 grams per 100 grams. The same is true with millets also. Ruby roti has approximately twice the amount of fiber! This significant difference makes Ruby Roti an excellent choice for promoting digestive health and aiding in better blood sugar management. High fiber intake is crucial for diabetic patients as it helps in regulating blood sugar levels and improving overall gut health.
- High Plant Protein: Unlike regular wheat flour, Ruby Roti is a great source of high plant protein, supporting muscle health and providing essential nutrients without spiking blood sugar levels.
- Low GI: Ruby Roti also boasts a low glycemic index, making it a healthier option for individuals managing diabetes or looking to stabilize their blood sugar.
- Gluten-Free: Ruby Roti is naturally gluten-free, offering a perfect alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or those aiming to avoid gluten in their diets.
- Easy Measurement and No Wastage: Unlike other flours, Ruby Roti comes in convenient sachets that make it easy to measure the quantity of dough needed for one roti. Each half-sachet is perfectly portioned for one roti, ensuring there is no wastage of atta.
- Overall, Ruby Roti offers a superior nutritional profile, making it a better option for those seeking a high-fiber alternative to regular wheat flour. By choosing Ruby Roti, you are not only enhancing your dietary fiber intake but also supporting better digestive health and blood sugar management.
By following these suggestions, you can enjoy the benefits of our high-fiber roti without the discomfort. Remember, everyone’s body is different, so adjust the intake as per your comfort and needs.
We hope this guide helps you in your journey to better health. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Navrelia Foods.
Stay healthy and happy eating!
Contact us – info@navreliafoods.com