What's Up Docs? Are you getting enough fibre?
10 snips
Sep 23, 2025 Dr. Deirdre Tobias, an obesity and nutritional epidemiologist from Harvard Medical School, delves into the essential role of dietary fiber in our health. She clarifies the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber and explains how it impacts digestion, heart disease, and diabetes. The conversation highlights practical ways to boost fiber intake through natural foods and addresses the effectiveness of supplements. Listeners gain actionable tips to enhance their diets without drastic changes while uncovering socio-economic factors that influence dietary choices.
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Missing The Train Home
- Chris told a story about missing his stop after falling asleep on a train and feeling ashamed.
- The hosts used it to open the episode and humanise everyday wellbeing slip-ups.
What Fiber Actually Is
- Fiber is plant-based carbohydrate humans can't digest but it aids digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Whole-food fiber slows absorption and interacts with gut bacteria for wider health effects.
Variety Beats Fiber Subtype Focus
- Different fiber subtypes exist but variety of whole-food sources matters more than specific subtypes.
- Added isolated fibers may act differently because of dose and missing nutrients.
