Like many medications, GLP 1 drugs come with side effects and one of the most common (and bothersome!) among them is constipation. Even if you're not taking anti-obesity medication, constipation remains a common problem for many, which is not only uncomfortable, but also detrimental to your well-being.  In this episode, I’m looking at the pivotal role fiber plays, not only in combating this side effect, but also in your overall health and weight management. We’ll dive into the practical ways you can increase your fiber intake and explore some of the other benefits of a high-fiber diet, including its positive impact on the gut microbiome. References If you want to learn about the role of fiber in a lot more detail and have the opportunity to ask me questions, take a look at my mini course: Optimizing Fat Loss and Maintaining Muscle While on a GLP 1 This course is perfect for you if you are going to start a GLP 1 or you're already on one and want to fine tune your approach and get the most out of your GLP 1 medication.  Audio Stamps 00:53 - Even if you're not on an anti-obesity medication, fiber is an important topic because a lot of people struggle with constipation. 01:43 - If you want to dig even deeper into this topic, Dr. Rentea encourages us to listen to her mini course: Optimizing Fat Loss and Maintaining Muscle While on a GLP-1. One of the modules there is all about getting enough fiber. 04:55 - We find out why we should care about dietary fiber. 05:37 - Dr. Rentea explains how you know if you’ve got constipation. 06:51 - We hear some practical advice about what will help constipation. 08:05 -  Dr. Rentea digs into how we can get more fiber into our diet. 10:45 - Dr. Rentea runs through some specific examples of high fiber foods. 14:22 - If you're still struggling with constipation despite making dietary changes, it's always worth getting an opinion from your doctor about what can be changed. 15:46 -  We discover the importance of fiber for helping to keep our gut microbiome healthy. Quotes “If we can get ahead of a problem, it's always better than waiting for you to have this crippling constipation and you not wanting to take the medication.” - Matthea Rentea MD “In the same way that we're looking with every meal or snack if protein is involved, we're going to want to look as well if fiber is involved.” - Matthea Rentea MD “Remember, with fiber, it's a slow game. We don't go from where you are to all the way up overnight.” - Matthea Rentea MD “We know that to support the gut microbiome in the direction that we want it to be, you need to get that fiber.” - Matthea Rentea MD All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast. If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com