Dietary fiber
Fiber
Fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes—all of these food groups contain indigestible plant components whose positive effects on digestion have been proven in numerous studies. One of the most frequently cited meta-analyses comes from a comprehensive review of clinical studies and shows that increased fiber intake significantly improves bowel function. Specifically, increased fiber intake leads to improved stool frequency, softer stools, and a reduced need for laxatives ( 1, 2, 3 ).