Fiberenteenshttps://kidshealth.org/EN/images/headers/T-fiber-enHD-AR1.jpgSome of the best and most delicious foods have loads of fiber. Find out how to get your fill of fiber!Fiber, high-fiber, whole grains, whole food, eating well, healthy eating, food labels, whole-grain breads, cereals, grains, simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, carbs, refined carbs, fruit, vegetables, nuts03/20/200709/10/201909/10/2019Mary L. Gavin, MD09/09/2019a5716fac-058e-4be8-8fec-12c3a6468ccbhttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/fiber.html/<p>Fiber is one of those good-for-you nutrients. But what exactly is it? Why do you need it and what food should you eat to get it?</p> <h3>What Is Fiber?</h3> <p>Fiber is a carbohydrate that the body can't <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/digestive-system.html/">digest</a>. It's found in the plants we eat &mdash; fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.</p> <p>Fiber can be soluble or insoluble:</p> <ul class="kh_longline_list"> <li><strong>Soluble fiber</strong> dissolves in water. It helps lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar control.</li> <li><strong>Insoluble fiber</strong> does not dissolve in water. It helps with <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/constipation.html/">constipation</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Both kinds of fiber are important parts of a healthy diet.</p> <h3>What Are the Benefits of Fiber?</h3> <p>A diet high in fiber:</p> <ul> <li>helps prevent or relieve constipation</li> <li>increases feelings of fullness, which may help with weight control</li> <li>lowers <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/cholesterol.html/">cholesterol</a></li> <li>helps prevent heart disease and <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/center/diabetes-center.html/">diabetes</a></li> <li>may lower the chances of getting some types of cancer</li> </ul> <h3>What Are Good Sources of Fiber?</h3> <p>Foods that are naturally high in fiber, include:</p> <ul> <li>whole grains, such as 100% whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal</li> <li>cooked dried beans, such as black beans, lentils, and split peas</li> <li>fruit and vegetables</li> <li>nuts and seeds</li> </ul> <p>Look for the fiber content of foods on the <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/food-labels.html/">nutrition labels</a> &mdash; it's listed as part of the information given for "total carbohydrates." A high-fiber food has 5 grams or more of fiber per serving and a good source of fiber is one that provides 2.5 to 4.9 grams per serving.</p> <h3>How Much Fiber Do I Need?</h3> <p>Teen girls (14&ndash;18 years old) should get 25 grams of fiber per day and teen guys (14&ndash;18 years old) should get 31 grams of fiber per day.</p> <p>It's best to get your fiber directly from foods rather than from pills or other supplements. The best sources are fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and legumes, and whole-grain foods. If your doctor recommends a fiber supplement, take it as directed.</p> <p>Other things to know:</p> <ul class="kh_longline_list"> <li>Add fiber to your diet slowly over a few weeks. Adding too much fiber too quickly can cause bloating, gas, and/or cramps.</li> <li>Drink plenty of water, which helps move fiber through the intestines.</li> </ul> <h3>Making Fiber Part of Your Diet</h3> <p>Here are some simple ways to make sure you get enough fiber.</p> <p><strong>Breakfast:</strong></p> <ul class="kh_longline_list"> <li>Have a bowl of hot oatmeal.</li> <li>Opt for whole-grain cereals that list ingredients such as whole wheat or oats as one of the first few items on the ingredient list.</li> <li>Top fiber-rich cereal with apples, oranges, berries, or bananas. Add almonds to pack even more fiber punch.</li> <li>Try bran or whole-grain waffles or pancakes topped with apples, berries, or raisins.</li> <li>Enjoy whole-wheat bagels or English muffins instead of white toast.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Lunch and Dinner:</strong></p> <ul class="kh_longline_list"> <li>Make sandwiches with whole-grain breads (rye, oat, or wheat) instead of white.</li> <li>Use whole-grain spaghetti and other pastas instead of white.</li> <li>Try wild or brown rice with meals instead of white rice. Add beans (kidney, black, navy, and pinto) to rice dishes for even more fiber.</li> <li>Spice up salads with berries and almonds, chickpeas, cooked artichokes, and beans (kidney, black, navy, or pinto).</li> <li>Add lentils or whole-grain barley to your favorite soups.</li> <li>Sweet potatoes, with the skins, are tasty side dishes.</li> <li>Take fresh fruit when you pack lunch for school. Pears, apples, bananas, oranges, and berries are all high in fiber.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Snacks and Treats:</strong></p> <ul class="kh_longline_list"> <li>Top yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal with fruit and nuts.</li> <li>Put veggies, like lettuce, tomato, or avocado, on sandwiches.</li> <li>Add beans to soups and salads.</li> <li>Add bran to baked goods.</li> <li>Choose air-popped popcorn, whole-grain crackers, fruit, or vegetables as healthy snack options.</li> </ul>FibraLa fibra es uno de esos nutrientes que son buenos para la salud. ¿Pero qué es exactamente? ¿Por qué la necesitas y qué alimentos debes ingerir para incorporarla? https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/es/teens/fiber-esp.html/75c85277-015a-4a40-8a60-a9408b16bd9f

ConstipationConstipation is a very common problem that usually happens because a person's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, making simple changes can help you feel better.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/constipation.html/081f841e-c4c9-493e-a8df-160a60905046

Digestive SystemMost people think digestion begins when you first put food in your mouth. But the digestive process actually starts even before the food hits your taste buds.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/digestive-system.html/c0f765e4-a9d9-43fc-983b-b0b49ed76cfd

Food LabelsLook at any packaged food and you'll see the food label. This nutrition facts label gives the lowdown on everything from calories to cholesterol. Read more about food labels.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/food-labels.html/9fd21fc8-7da9-499f-a517-dcacb9624e24

Smart SnackingHealthy snacks are essential for busy teens. Find out how eating nutritious snacks throughout the day can keep your energy level high and your mind alert.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/healthy-snacks.html/4899853f-928b-4117-a85f-60da42dd3df6

Smart Supermarket ShoppingYou don't need to be a dietitian to figure out how to make healthy food choices. Before grabbing a shopping cart and heading for the aisles, read this article to make grocery shopping a snap.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/grocery-shopping.html/5414ea2a-c37a-42da-9254-35a48f72817f

kh:age-teenThirteenToNineteenkh:age-youngAdultEighteenPluskh:clinicalDesignation-gastroenterologyAndNutritionWeightManagementkh:genre-articlekh:primaryClinicalDesignation-gastroenterologyAndNutritionWeightManagementEat Wellhttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/managing-weight-center/eat-well/d6081d92-efa8-44a1-8d92-322ed2436992Food & Nutritionhttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/nutrition-fitness-center/nutrition/1a969d03-96c0-4b38-804d-98e75e3035deNutrition Basicshttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/food-fitness/nutrition/240f56bf-71f4-4e98-af4b-624d5e241611