Calories in dietary fibers?

Q: Do friendly bacteria in the intestines digest dietary fibers adding to my daily calorie intake?

A: Depending on fiber type, it can be true or not. For example, 1 cup of ground Psyllium husks (96.5g fiber) has 67 Calories. Soluble fibers can be fermented easier than insoluble, finely ground can be expected to yield more calories than not ground, cooked (like in bran muffins) are easier fermented as well.

Also, to successfully ferment a food, one has to have healthy and active friendly bacteria in the intestines and avoid combining fiber-containing food with foods that interfere with the fermentation process, e.g., strong tea, acid foods, or alcohol.

There's a theory claiming that digestive systems of every species, including human beings, are designed with certain foods in mind. As long as we stick with these foods, our enzymes extract maximal amount of calories out of them. The problem is, scientists cant decide what those foods are for us humans.

For one thing, a very successful diet by Russian MD Galina Shatalova consists of vegetarian foods and in a due time results in very low calorie consumption that nevertheless cover very physically demanding life style prescribed by Dr. Shatalova. If interested, take a look here: Very Low Calorie Diet

Tanya Zilberter, PhD