Fibre: YES or NO

Enter the paradox of fibre—an essential nutrient lacking direct nutritional value. As we unravel its mysteries, the conventional beliefs about fibre's role in promoting bowel regularity and overall health come under scrutiny. This exploration challenges long-standing notions, revealing surprising truths that prompt a reassessment of the necessity of fibre in our diets.

• Fibre as an Essential Nutrient:
• Classified as an essential nutrient but lacks usable nutrition for humans.
• Raises the question of how it can be considered a nutrient.
• Not Necessary and Potential Harm:
• Fibre is not necessary for the body.
• It may cause harm, including constipation, contrary to common belief.
• Constipation and Fibre:
• Clinical trials show reducing or eliminating fibre can improve and eliminate constipation symptoms.
• Analogy: Treating constipation with fibre is like adding more cars to a traffic jam.
• Colon Function and Hydration:
• Colon's function is to desiccate liquid waste and retain water.
• Adequate fat intake keeps stool soft, regardless of dehydration.
• Fibre may hinder peristalsis and slow bowel movement.
• Evolutionary Perspective:
• Humans can't digest fibre and derive nutrition from it.
• Ancestral cecum once stored bacteria for fibre digestion, now a vestigial appendix.
• Our ancestors didn't consume fibre as a staple for millions of years; questioning its necessity now.
• Fibre as an Anti-Nutrient:
• Indigestible fibre can form a lattice in the digestive tract.
• Blocks digestion and absorption of food, potentially beneficial for low-quality diets.
• Video Recommendation:
• Suggests watching Zoe Harcombe's video "What about fibre?" on YouTube for detailed insights.
• Constipation and Fat Intake:
• Contrary to popular belief, lack of fat intake is a primary reason for constipation, not fibre.

Re-evaluating the conventional wisdom surrounding fibre unveils a complex narrative. Despite being classified as essential, fibre's lack of direct nutritional benefits and potential harm prompts a reconsideration of its indispensability. From evolutionary perspectives to clinical trials, evidence questions the widespread belief in fibre's necessity. Understanding this nuanced relationship allows for informed dietary choices and a departure from one-size-fits-all nutritional dogma.