Are you consuming enough fiber?

Are you consuming enough fiber? A new study has revealed that the people, who get fiber from natural sources and manufactured sources, may benefit more than those who limit their intake to a single type.

Julie Miller Jones, a professor emeritus at St. Catherine University, has found that Americans fall short of the recommended amount of dietary fiber per day that is 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women. Men typically get around 18 grams and women get around 15 grams.

She cited a 2014 study that found a decline in the number of Americans, who said they are trying to eat more fiber, from 73 percent in 2010 to 53 percent in 2014.

Jones said that the real problem was that we don't know we have a problem.

She added that when people don't know they have a problem, they don't know how to address it.

Jones further said that thirty-five percent of the people in America think that they are getting enough fiber, adding that it is a big job in terms of informing people about not getting enough fiber.

Jones said that consumers should strive for a mix of fiber sources, including fiber that has been added to food in the manufacturing process.

In addition, Jones noted that each type of fiber carries its own unique benefits.