If you’re searching for a way to shed some pounds, you’ve probably considered trying a laxative diet. But did you know that the effects of laxatives can be beneficial far beyond weight loss? In this article, we’ll explore the many ways that a low-fiber diet can boost your health.
The Effect On Your Health
While it’s true that fiber can be helpful for maintaining a healthy digestive system, it turns out that too much of the stuff can be bad for you. People whose diets are high in fiber generally have a thinner build and tend to be less likely to suffer from certain diseases. But what’s more, they also have a lower rate of obesity. A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that participants who consumed more fruits and vegetables were significantly less likely to become obese. Researchers hypothesized that the soluble and insoluble fibers in these foods interact with the digestive system in a way that promotes healthy weight loss via dieting.
A Possible Reason Why Some People Are More Vulnerable To Obesity
Now, it’s not necessarily the case that everyone who eats a lot of fiber will be better off. Some people whose genes give them an increased ability to store fat would actually benefit from a high-fiber diet. But for the most part, people who want to lose weight should consider a diet that’s low in fiber as they have a better chance of seeing the results they’re after.
What is it about some people that makes them more susceptible to obesity? Well, a possible explanation could be that too much fiber may decrease nutrient absorption. When people are on diets that are low in fiber, they often become deficient in micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Since these nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy metabolism, the body eventually adjusts to the diet and begins to rely on stored fat for energy.
Decreases Cholesterol Levels
Another great benefit of a low-fiber diet is that it can help to lower cholesterol levels. A 2015 meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials compared low-fiber diets to diets of average fiber content and found that participants who ate less than 25 grams of fiber per day reduced their cholesterol by 16.3 mg/dL on average. Even more impressive is that there was no significant difference between the two groups when it came to weight change.
Promotes Appetite Suppression
Did you know that too much fiber can actually suppress your appetite? A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2015 investigated the effect of diets varying in their soluble fiber content on diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). They found that when comparing diets with the same amount of calories, participants who ate less than 25 grams of fiber per day experienced significantly higher levels of DIT.
DIT is the energy we expend when we’re not at our resting metabolic rate. It’s basically the amount of calories we would burn if we were just walking around doing nothing. The study’s lead author hypothesized that the soluble fibers in foods may increase the feeling of fullness, resulting in less energy being consumed in the form of meals. This is probably why some people on a low-fiber diet experience increased appetite, whereas others might not. It really depends on the person.
Detoxification Benefits
Besides lowering cholesterol and causing appetite suppression, eating a lot of fiber can be helpful for detoxification. According to research, the insoluble and soluble fibers that are common in fruits and vegetables act as an abrasive on the digestive system, helping to remove toxins. These are toxins such as pesticides, fertilizer, heavy metals, and alcohol.
The 2015 meta-analysis we mentioned above also looked into the effect of dietary fiber on the serum levels of heavy metals. They determined that diets high in fiber increased serum levels of these essential minerals, which indicates that they can help to bind and remove these toxins from the body. But again, as with most things in life, it depends on the person.
So if you’re looking to lose weight, you might want to try a low-fiber diet. Not only will it help you to achieve your desired weight, it might also help improve your overall health. Give it a try and see how your body responds. Most importantly, though, make sure that you consult with your doctor before starting any diet program.