Fiber Rich Diets May Increase Lung Function

-

Analysis of NHANES Data Shows the Relationship Between Fiber and Lung Function

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data was used to compare fiber intake and lung function. There were 1,921 adults who took the survey. Spirometry was used to accurately measure lung function rather than self reported measures and a diet recall was taken via an interview.  

It was found that adults with higher fiber consumption were more likely to have normal lung function compared to those who had lower fiber consumption. Specifically, fruit and vegetable intake was associated with greater lung function rather than the consumption of whole grains. Those with lower fiber intake had decreased lung function.

The findings for this study are important for the prevention of chronic diseases like COPD in patients with a history of smoking. Increasing fiber in the diet is a cost effective dietary intervention that can be utilized in those at risk for poor lung function. Furthermore, this study stresses the importance of encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption and fiber intake as part of a healthy diet for all populations because of its benefits.

Sources: 

Hanson C, Lyden E, Rennard S, et al. The relationship between dietary fiber intake and lung function in NHANES. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. 2016. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.201509-609OC

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pulmonology/SmokingCOPD/55857?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2016-01-27&eun=g411013d0r

(AG)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Are All Sugars Created Equal?

-
Image
Are All Sugars Created Equal?  I think one of the most confusing nutrition topics for people is sugar. With so many conflicting stories out there, it’s difficult to separate the facts from the fiction. Not to mention, the types of sugars are endless. How do we know what’s best for our bodies? White or brown sugar? Cane or raw? Should we just go with Stevia instead? Is it even okay to consume artificial sweeteners? Should we avoid foods with high amounts of natural sugar in them? Each answer only seems to lead to another question!  Let’s start off with distinguishing the purpose of sugar in the first place. Do our bodies even need it? The short answer is yes! Sugars are carbohydrates (what we commonly call “carbs”), one of the three main macronutrients that our bodies need for fuel to function and survive. One of the major ways to categorize sugar is by separating the “natural” sugars from the “added” sugars. Natural sugars are, well, naturally found in foods. They give us the energy th
Read more

Milk Mythbusters

-
Image
Just like with any nutrition topic, the facts about milk can become convoluted pretty quickly. Whether you drink milk for the protein, the nutrients, the flavor, or just like to switch it up, there are pros and cons to every kind. Here are some quick nutritional facts about each type to help you decide which is best for you. Animal-Based Milks  Whole Milk: The original diary drink. It gets a bad rap, but what whole milk has going for it, is that it’s in its proper nutritional form. Whole milk contains all of its original fat-soluble vitamins, A, E, D, & K, along with the fat to help you absorb them all. It also has the proper concentrations and ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids, or your omega-3s and omega-6s, so that they are metabolized as they should be. The downside is that whole milk is calorically dense, meaning that a little goes a long way. You don’t need much to get what you need, so just don’t overdo it!  2% Milk: The fat content of 2% milk is about half of that in who
Read more