Fiber is often associated with preventing constipation, but its benefits go beyond that. Fiber is essential for maintaining overall gut health, including feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a balanced microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome contributes to better digestion, stronger immunity, and even a reduced risk of chronic conditions later in life.
There are two types of fiber—soluble and insoluble—both of which play vital roles in digestion. Soluble fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol, while insoluble fiber promotes regular bowel movements and adds bulk to stools. By encouraging children to consume a variety of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, parents can help promote long-term digestive health.
Fiber also plays a role in reducing inflammation in the gut. This is particularly important for children with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as fiber can help manage symptoms and improve gut health over time.
Link: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=5-ways-to-boost-your-childs-gut-health-197-29161