Fibre opens lungs

Fibre has a deserved reputation as a healthy component of food. We know that fibre helps keep bowel movements regular, promotes healthy colon cells, promotes a healthy bacterial flora in the gut, and balances blood sugar and blood cholesterol. The benefits of fibre are far reaching and now a new study has shown that they even reach into your lungs.

The new study involved researchers reviewing records of 1,921 adults aged 40 to 79. Fibre consumption for each subject was calculated based on the amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains they reported eating. Those who consumed more than 17.5 grams of fibre daily were in the top 25 per cent while those getting less than 10.75 grams were in the bottom 25 per cent for fibre intake.

The results showed that among the people in the top 25 per cent for fibre consumption 68.3 per cent had normal lung function. Among those in the bottom 25 per cent only 50.1 per cent were “normal” in lung function. In the top group only 14.8 per cent experienced airway restriction while in the bottom fibre group 29.8 per cent experienced airway constriction.

Additionally, those with the highest fibre intake had a greater lung capacity and could exhale more air in one second (FEV1) than those in the lowest fibre category.

These links to fibre intake were of course independent of other factors like smoking and weight.

The reason that fibre helps the lungs is that in addition to everything else it does, fibre also reduces inflammation in your body. So just upping your fibre intake could help you breathe easier.