Dr. Nahar Discusses Fiber, Ulcerative Colitis in SELF Magazine

Ritu Nahar, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist at the Specialty Surgical Center of North Brunswick, was featured as a subject matter expert in a recent online SELF magazine article.

In the article, entitled “If You Have Ulcerative Colitis, You May Want to Watch Out for This Type of Fiber,” Dr. Nahar discussed how insoluble fiber affects patients with this chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Ulcerative colitis affects the colon lining and causes small sores, or ulcers, to form. Patients often experience symptoms including abdominal cramps and pain and persistent diarrhea.

In the article, Dr. Nahar explained that ulcerative colitis makes the colon “more sensitive to rough, bulky fibers,” like insoluble fiber found in the skins of many fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole wheat flour.

Dr. Nahar discussed the differences in soluble and insoluble fiber and the benefits of each. She offered cooking tips to make insoluble fiber foods easier for patients to tolerate during or following an ulcerative colitis flare. She also noted the importance of balancing your intake of fiber and your gastrointestinal health.

“The goal is to balance fiber intake to support gut health without exacerbating inflammation,” Dr. Nahar told SELF.

This article is designed for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health concern, you should consult your healthcare provider.