What helps digest fiber?

The human body produces certain enzymes that help break down fiber, including:

- Amylase: This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates, including starch, into smaller molecules like glucose.

- Cellulase: Produced by bacteria in the gut, this enzyme helps break down cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls.

- Hemicellulase: Another enzyme produced by gut bacteria, hemicellulase helps break down hemicellulose, another type of fiber found in plant cell walls.

- Pectinase: This enzyme breaks down pectin, a type of fiber found in fruits and vegetables.

- Xylanase: Produced by gut bacteria, xylanase helps break down xylan, a type of fiber found in plant cell walls.

In addition to these enzymes, the mechanical action of chewing and the churning of food in the stomach also help break down fiber. Fiber that is not broken down in the small intestine passes into the large intestine or colon. Here, gut bacteria ferment the fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gases like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane. SCFAs are absorbed and used by the colon cells as a source of energy.