Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, University Surgical Associates; President-Elect, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical SocietyQ: I know fiber is important to a healthy diet, so what should I focus on during the holiday season?
A: The Food and Drug Administration recommendation for the average person is 25-35 grams of fiber a day. Ninety percent of your daily fiber intake should come from the foods you eat. Increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid discomfort from gas and bloating. The typical holiday dinner has only 8 grams of fiber but over 700 calories. The holiday all-stars are fruits and vegetables, but beware. Covered in sauce or sugar, they are no longer as healthy as they seem. Green-bean casserole seems like a good choice since it has vegetables, but it has only has 3 grams of fiber. Cranberry sauce from a can has no fiber. If you ate the same amount of real cranberries, you would be eating 4 grams of fiber. Adding an over-the-counter fiber supplement can help us achieve our fiber goal. Check the labels to make sure you are taking an appropriate dose and take it daily.
– Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, University Surgical Associates; President-Elect, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society