There are two main types of fibersoluble and insolubleand each key in has its own benefits for human health.

But what exactly happens in your body when you consistently don’t get enough fiber?

Keep your heart healthy by adding high-fiber foods like oatmeal, berries and nuts to your diet.

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That’s the equivalent of adding one sweet potato and a 1/2 cup of chickpeas to your day.

Ourcherry smoothiehas 6 grams of fiber to get you over halfway there, too.

(Try eating more ofthese top inflammation-fighting foods.)

Add that to the list of whole grain’s health benefits.

Strengthening the immune system in your gut is also important for supporting your overall immune health and fighting infections.

We often hear about eatingprobiotics, beneficial bacteria found inyogurt,kimchi and kefir, for a healthy gut.

But eating more fiber is important too.

Getting a mix of both is the best bet to support your gut and immune health.

Eating more fiber is a helpful tool for weight loss because it helps youfeel full and satisfied after eating.

Another win for weight management: fiber has zero calories.

Since fiber is a nondigestible carbohydrate, we can’t metabolize it for fuel.

So if you want to lose weight and keep it off, eat more fiber.

If you find it difficult to consistently incorporate fiber into your diet, you might want to considerfiber supplements.

High-fiber diets may also lower your risk ofhemorrhoids,diverticular diseaseandinflammatory bowel disease.