A New Study Finds That It May Reduce Your Risk of Developing PTSD; Weight Loss, Constipation

A high fiber diet is popular for many reasons. It is friendly to weight loss, friendly to diabetes and also good for digestion. Now, a new study found that people who ate a high-fiber diet every day were at lower risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to a study published in Social Psychology and Psychiatry, it was found that eating junk food such as pastries and chocolate was associated with a higher risk of PTSD. More than 27,000 were surveyed. It was found that one in 20 people reported having PTSD. Those who reported eating a multi-fiber rich diet were all less likely to develop PTSD.

Nevertheless, researchers are not sure whether a lot of fiber is linked to a protective effect on mental health, or if it is other factors such as poverty, that affect people’s access to nutritious food. There is potential, however, that eating foods high in fiber can improve communication between the gut and brain, said Karen Davison, a nutrition epidemiologist and co-author of the study.

Foods like whole grains and oats are rich in soluble fiber. This brings good bacteria to the gut and helps with the development of gut plants. A healthy gut is not only good for the body, but also for the mind, studies have found.

This study adds that dietary fiber plays an important role in the relationship between gut and brain. As the body processes fiber, gut bacteria release short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation in the body.

Previous studies have found that short-chain fatty acids can improve metabolism as well as immunity.

Also read: Quick breakfast tips: Prepare this avocado toast for a dash of good protein, fiber and fat

Benefits of eating a high fiber diet

Whole grains, oats, fresh fruit, legumes, nuts, seeds and vegetables are examples of high fiber foods. All of these foods are part of a healthy and nutritious diet, which is good for your physical, mental and overall health. Below are some additional benefits of a fiber-rich diet:

1. Consistent bowel movements: If you are someone who gets hooked too often, a high fiber diet is essential for you. They help create a bulk of stool and move movements inside, thus keeping yoke at bay.

2. Helps control blood sugar: High-fiber foods slow down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, thus preventing any spikes in blood sugar. A high-fiber diet can also reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Eating high fiber foods can help control blood sugar
Image credit: iStock

Read also: Get more fiber with these diet changes: 5 simple ways you must try

3. Weight loss: Food full of fiber fills nature. They fill you up quickly and make you feel full longer. They can reduce your appetite and also lower your calorie level, which is a key requirement for those who are trying to lose weight.

4. Lowers cholesterol: Foods like oats, beans, flaxseeds help reduce low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol. They lower whole blood cholesterol levels so they can benefit your heart as well.

It is important to note that you need to absorb your fiber level for good health, but certainly not to overdo it as it can lead to gas, bloating and intestinal cramping. The MayoClinic recommends that men age 50 or younger need 38 gms of fiber in a day; men age 51 and older need 30 gms of fiber in a day. Women aged 50 or younger need 25 gms of fiber a day; women age 51 and older need 21 gms of fiber in a day.

To meet your daily intake of fiber, the best thing to do is to consult a dietitian or health expert.

Also read: Control of type-2 diabetes risk with fully loaded whole grains; Learn other preventative measures

Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing general information only. It does not replace qualified medical opinion at all. Always speak to a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.