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Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber: What's the Difference?

By Joe Boland

September 17, 2024

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, but not all fibers are the same.

There are two main types of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both offer unique health benefits, but they work differently in your body.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between soluble and insoluble fiber, their benefits, the foods that contain them, and how much you need each day.

As always, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any new dietary or lifestyle regimen.

What Is Soluble Fiber?

Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance in your digestive system. This type of fiber is known for its ability to slow digestion and help support already healthy blood sugar levels.

Benefits of soluble fiber

Soluble fiber has a range of health benefits:

• Helps regulate already healthy blood sugar: Soluble fiber slows down the absorption of sugar, which can help maintain already healthy blood sugar levels.

• Supports heart health: Studies show that soluble fiber can help promote cardiovascular health.

• Aids in healthy weight management (in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle, including regular exercise): By forming a gel-like substance, soluble fiber promotes feelings of fullness, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.

• Promotes gut health: Soluble fiber acts as food for beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome.

What foods have soluble fiber?

Soluble fiber can be found in many common foods, including:

• Oats

• Barley

• Apples

• Citrus fruits

• Carrots

• Beans and legumes

• Brussels sprouts

• Sweet potatoes

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help ensure you're getting enough soluble fiber.

What Is Insoluble Fiber?

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and remains intact as it moves through your digestive system. This type of fiber helps add bulk to your stool and speeds up the passage of food and waste through your gut.

Benefits of insoluble fiber

Insoluble fiber offers a range of benefits, particularly for digestive health:

• Helps reduce occasional digestive discomfort: By adding bulk to the stool, insoluble fiber helps keep bowel movements regular, reducing occasional constipation, gas and

  bloating.

• Supports digestive health: Insoluble fiber promotes overall gut health by aiding in the movement of waste through the intestines.

What foods have insoluble fiber?

Foods rich in insoluble fiber include:

• Whole wheat

• Brown rice

• Nuts and seeds

• Cauliflower

• Green beans

• Zucchini

• Dark leafy greens

• Peppers

Adding a variety of these foods to your meals will help ensure you're getting enough insoluble fiber to support digestive health.

Which Is Better: Soluble Fiber or Insoluble Fiber?

Both soluble and insoluble fiber play important roles in your health, and one isn’t necessarily better than the other. Instead, the best approach is to ensure you're getting enough of both types of fiber.

Soluble fiber is excellent for supporting cardiovascular health, while insoluble fiber supports healthy digestion and regularity.

A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes will help you meet your fiber needs and reap the benefits of both types.

How Much Soluble and Insoluble Fiber Should You Have Per Day?

The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25–30 grams (or up to 38 grams), with a good balance between soluble and insoluble fiber. While there’s no strict guideline on how much of each you need, many health experts recommend aiming for about a 1:3 ratio of soluble to insoluble fiber.

This can be achieved by eating a variety of fiber-rich foods.

You can also take a fiber supplement to help meet your needs.

A great option is Ancient Nutrition’s Organic Fiber Powder. Made with acacia fiber (a prebiotic fiber) and konjac root (a soluble fiber) — along with probiotics and stevia — Organic Fiber offers the following:

• Delicious Pineapple Mango flavor

• Made with acacia fiber and konjac root

• Promotes proper digestion and nutrient absorption†

• Supports satiety†

• Promotes a feeling of fullness†

• Supports healthy, normal gut motility†

• Reduces occasional constipation, gas and bloating†

• Reduces occasional abdominal discomfort†

• Supports immune system health†

• Supports regularity†

• Supports healthy digestive function†

• Promotes intestinal well-being and health

• Supports colon health

Simply mix one scoop with 10 ounces of liquid to help meet your fiber needs.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Conclusion

Soluble and insoluble fibers are both essential components of a healthy diet.

By understanding their differences, benefits and sources, you can make informed choices to improve your digestive health and support overall well-being.

Aim to incorporate a mix of fiber-rich foods and supplements daily to ensure you're getting the right balance of both soluble and insoluble fiber.