Low-carb diet can cause digestive problems: experts

Studies suggest fibre aids digestion, helps reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes.

LOS ANGELES: Low-carb diets may be used as a weight loss tool by some people, but nutritionists warn that they may be contributing to a reduction in fibre intake and, thus, helping in setting up health problems instead. According to the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey, the average fibre intake is already low and avoidance of foods such as potatoes, a surprisingly important fibre-provider, is bad news for digestive health.

Potatoes provide 12 per cent of the average adult intake of fibre, which is twice the amount we get from breakfast cereals and 30 per cent more than a person’s intake from brown bread. They are an even more important source of fibre for teenagers, with 11- to 18-year-olds getting nearly one sixth of their daily intake from the food item.

Fibre is crucial for good health and studies suggest it may help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. It also aids digestion and supports weight control by promoting a sense of fullness. Dieters often wrongly believe potatoes are calorific and fattening. They are naturally fat-free, lower in calories than most people think, and provide only 6 per cent of the energy intake for adults. Potatoes are also a useful source of potassium, which counters the effect of salt and helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

The latest Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition guidance suggests, “There needs to be a change in the population’s diet, so that people derive a greater proportion of dietary energy from carbohydrate-rich foods that are high in dietary fibre.” In addition, “Dietary fibre intake should be largely achieved from a variety of foods, such as whole grains, pulses, potatoes, vegetables and fruits.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2015.

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