Fiber is Functional

Fiber Intake and Quality of Life

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• Define fiber

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• List at least 2 health benefits associated with a high fiber diet

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• Understand constipation and potential causes.

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• Demonstrate practical ways to increase fiber intake.

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To understand why it is a team approach to insure that your residents get enough fiber throughout the day

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To emphasize that adequate fiber intake can help lessen some health concerns and improve the overall quality of life for your residents

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Fiber is Functional

Purpose:

Objectives:

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Fiber: What is It?

• Known as roughage
• Any food from a plant source that the body cannot digest or absorb
• Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains all contain dietary fiber
• Classified into 2 categories:

-Insoluble

-Soluble

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Insoluble Fiber

• Helps with elimination
• Increases stool bulk

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• Aids in weight loss
• Makes people feel full
• Results in less overeating

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Sources of Insoluble Fiber

• Whole Wheat Flour
• Wheat Bran
• Nuts
• Many vegetables
• Examples:
• Zucchini
• Cauliflower
• Celery

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Soluble Fiber

• Helps with elimination
• Softens stool

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• Helps lower blood cholesterol

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• Decreases glucose levels
• Slows the absorption of sugar

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Sources of Soluble Fiber

• Oats
• Barley
• Peas
• Carrots
• Beans
• Many Fruits:
• Apples, Prunes, Citrus

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Benefits of a High Fiber Diet

• Prevents constipation
• Lowers blood cholesterol levels
• Controls blood sugar levels
• Aids in weight loss

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Constipation

What is it?

• Infrequent and difficult bowel movements
• Results in a sensation of incomplete evacuation
• Frequently seen in healthcare settings

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Constipation

Who is mostly affected?

• One of the most common GI complaints in the U.S.
• More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation
• Accounts for more than 2.5 million physician’s visits each year

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Who experiences constipation the most?

• Pregnant women
• Adults over 65

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Constipation

Why does it occur?

• Water from stool is absorbed as it moves through the colon
• If the colon contractions are sluggish, then too much water is absorbed
• This results in dry stool that is difficult to pass

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Causes of Constipation

• Lack of fiber in the diet
• Lack of adequate fluid intake
• Diet of mainly processed/refined/ high fat foods
• Inactivity
• Hormonal changes
• Iron and some nutritional supplements
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How Much Fiber DO Adults Need?

• Overall recommendation 14g protein/1000 calories

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• Men age 50 and younger: 31-35g
• Men age 51 and over: 28g
• Women age 50 and younger: 25-28
• Women age 51 and over: 22g

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In Summary:

How much fiber do adults need?

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Healthy adults need ~20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day

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Most adults in the U.S. are not meeting that need

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Menu Examples

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Fiber is Functional

20 to 35g Fiber (per day)

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24 grams of fiber per day

26 grams of fiber per day

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Increase Fiber Intake Safely

Increase fiber intake gradually over a few weeks:

• This allows the digestive system time to adjust to the change

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• Too much too quick could result in:
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Intestinal gas

Drink plenty of water

• 6-8 cups of caffeine free fluids per day

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Ways to Increase FIber Intake

• Use whole fruits and vegetables in place of juices
• Use whole-grain breads and pastas
• Use brown rice instead of white rice
• Serve high-fiber cereals (5 or more grams per serving)
• Add legumes to meals
• Incorporate nuts and seeds into meals and snacks
• Use whole-grain flours in your regular recipes

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Higher Fiber Snacks

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• Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
• Hummus and Crackers
• Popcorn
• Yogurt Parfait with Berries and Granola
• Bran Muffin

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Residents and Fiber Intake

Why don’t residents get enough fiber?

• Many foods high in fiber can be hard to chew
• Including fresh fruits and vegetables
• Make sure to give residents food that fit their diet

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• Are not used to eating foods higher in fiber
• Did not eat brown rice, whole wheat bread, etc. at home

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• Are afraid they will have to go to the bathroom too much

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Fiber Supplements

Are they necessary?

• Whole foods are generally better
• Supplements do not provide the vitamins, minerals, or other beneficial nutrients often found in high fiber foods

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• May be necessary for some residents if habit changes are not enough
• Check with a doctor and/or registered dietitian if you feel fiber supplements are necessary

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Interventions for Constipation

Diet

• Adequate fiber
• Enough fluids

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Lifestyle Changes

• Daily exercise (as tolerated)
• Allow adequate time for a bowel movement

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Laxatives

• If diet and exercise are not enough
• Consult a physician

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Increasing Fiber

What should you do?

• Offer higher fiber snacks
• Within residents’ diet restrictions

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• Push fluids
• Serve prune juice or prunes
• Encourage activities as much as possible
• Encourage meal intake

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Increasing Fiber

What should you do?

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• Listen to residents’ concerns

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• Observe the residents’ moods

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• Monitor bowel movements (ADL logs)

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• Use laxatives (if needed)

Work as a team!

• Listen to what team members have to say about each resident

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Summary

All departments are important when it comes to monitoring residents’ fiber intake

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There are practical ways to add fiber on a daily basis

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Take it slow when increasing fiber

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Whenever a significant or prolonged change in bowel habits occurs, check with a doctor

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Thank you.

If you have questions,

Please contact the Nutrition Resource Center at:

1.800.968.4426

nrc@gfs.com

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