70% of Indians do not meet daily fiber requirements; women at greater risk: Survey

As part of World Digestive Health Day, a new survey has revealed that 70 percent of Indians do not meet the recommended daily fiber intake, raising concerns about digestive health. The survey, based on responses from more than 6.5 million participants, found that low awareness and unhealthy lifestyle habits were the main reasons behind the gap in fiber intake.

The findings showed that nearly seven out of 10 Indians still do not consume enough fiber in their daily diet. Women were found to be more affected, with more than 73 per cent not reaching the recommended level of fiber intake compared to more than 63 per cent of men.

The survey found that eating habits were one of the key reasons for the problem. Only one in four respondents said they eat multigrain foods every day, while nearly 40 percent rarely eat fruit. Although vegetable consumption improved, the researchers said most diets still lacked the variety needed to meet daily fiber requirements on a regular basis.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), adult women should consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day, while adult men should consume 30 grams.

Lifestyle habits also affect gut health

The findings showed that digestive health problems were not only related to diet, but also to lifestyle choices. More than 60 percent of respondents said they were not physically active on a daily basis, while only about 30 percent followed the recommended levels of water intake. Almost half reported not getting enough sleep, and one in five participants reported experiencing severe stress.

Commenting on the findings, Anuj Rustagi, Managing Director, Staples Business Unit, ITC Ltd., said: “As digestive and gut health become increasingly important in everyday nutrition, the findings highlight the significant need to build greater awareness of fiber consumption and its role in overall well-being. At Aashirvaad, supporting consumers to make healthier everyday food choices has remained a key priority and we believe that your meaningful and meaningful change begins with Astagradashirad. atta with Multigrains Increasing the inclusion of fiber-rich foods such as multigrains, fruits and vegetables can play an important role in promoting better health outcomes for Indian consumers.”

World Digestive Health Day

World Gastrointestinal Health Day is celebrated every year on 29 May to raise awareness of digestive health and improve understanding of gastrointestinal disorders. The day was established by the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) and each year a different digestive health topic is highlighted to educate the public and healthcare professionals.

Experts say the extreme summer heat can slow down the digestive system, often causing bloating and sluggishness. Eating foods rich in water, fiber, and naturally cooling foods can help improve digestion by keeping the body hydrated, promoting regular bowel movements, and reducing inflammation in the gut.