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Article: Fiber Is Good for You. Now Scientists May Know Why.

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/2/2018 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting read:

Research indicates that fiber doesn’t deliver many of its benefits directly to our bodies. Instead, the fiber we eat feeds billions of bacteria in our guts. Keeping them happy means our intestines and immune systems remain in good working order.

/www.nytimes.com/2018/01/01/science/food-fiber-microbiome-inflammation.html
Posted 1/2/2018 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Great article, thanks for sharing.
Posted 1/2/2018 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
I've been finding lately that even though increased fiber causes me pain when I have a BM, it actually reduces the mucous and bleeding a great deal. Paradoxically it seems like the more firm my stools get, the less I bleed. I've never been able to explain it before, until I considered the fiber-bacteria connection. This article is well timed! Thank you.
Posted 1/2/2018 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
It is a nice model as far as it goes. I like they role of mucus layer thickness and immune reaction. It may explain why "coating" type supplements sometimes help.

More info is needed on the best types of fibers, and also on the role of fermentation. Some fibers get fermented, and some do not.

But, this makes sense why high-fiber diet is recommended in remission. It also invites an examination of the symptom vs inflammation tradeoff in the advice to eat low-residue when flaring. Might eliminate excess poop, but prolong flare.
Posted 1/3/2018 3:57 AM (GMT 0)
This is interesting - thanks for posting. Before UC, I used to eat mainly whole grains and lots of fruits and veggies. Now in remission, I'm starting to get back to that... but does anyone have any idea of how much fiber is considered enough or the amount of fiber to be considered a high fiber diet?
Posted 1/3/2018 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
The article shows benefits of fiber in general but doesn't distinguish between soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber in whole grains is great for losing weight etc., but it can irritate the sensitive digestive system of someone with IBD.

Soluble fiber in psyllium and some fruits and veggies like avocados are less irritating and can be easily broken down by the bacteria to nourish the colon.
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