Fiber is an important element of a diet. It is found across all plant-based foods – grown all around the world. It helps in keeping the digestive system clean by removing harmful toxins from the body.
Types of Fiber
There are two major types of fiber which play an important role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. They are:
- Soluble fiber
- Insoluble fiber
Soluble fiber is easily and primarily sourced from fruits and vegetables. It helps decrease cholesterol levels and protects the heart from risks.
Insoluble fiber is prominently found in whole grains and vegetables. It assists us by aiding the flow of waste from the body, working from the stomach and intestines.
Children and Fiber
Children naturally tend to require less fiber in their diet. Therefore, it is recommended to introduce children to dietary fiber gradually through the right amount of solid and liquid food items. They should consume a wide variety of nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cereals along with their regular doses of milk, juices, and other fluids.
Healthy eating habits are instilled in childhood, which we carry to our adulthood. Only a balanced dietary plan right from childhood can help us maintain a healthy body even as an adult. It helps fight numerous diseases and keeps the risk of chronic problems at bay.
Fiber-Rich Foods
As a parent, you are constantly innovating and coming up with fun ways to make healthy food fun for your child.
There are plenty of food items that might interest your child’s imagination as well as their dietary needs! They include:
- Fruits such as apples, bananas, strawberries and oranges (always great for DIY edible toys)
- Cereal based foods with dried nuts (helps add crunch and texture)
- Lentils and beans (rich in fiber)
- Whole wheat bread and pasta (for those without a gluten intolerance)
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all foods with fiber, it helps to see the variety of foods that contain it. Finding foods that contain fiber doesn’t have to be hard, and your kids will enjoy the foods.
Fiber Deficiency
The key role of fiber is to do away with toxins and other waste products that pose a threat to our bodies. Failing to do so can affect us adversely. From an initial stage, if a child’s dietary plan lacks any fiber, they could suffer from constipation and severe stomach aches, hindering proper healthy growth. It also carries a threat of heart diseases and diabetes. To avoid this, a structured diet is to be followed regularly.
An easy way to track fiber intake in children is if they are eating five servings of foods rich in fiber. Another helpful method is checking the nutrition facts mentioned on the products. Being aware of the nutrition facts is vital to providing the child with healthy food. If your child is exhibiting some of the symptoms of a lack of fiber, feel free to call us and schedule an appointment.
