Archive for December, 2009

Fiber also goes by the names “roughage” or “bulk”. It is a non-nutrient, but has many benefits. We’ll review those in a minute. It generally comes from the cellulose of plants. A great example is the tough fibrous stuff when you chew celery. The bands of stringy “collenchyma cells are the fiber that can be so healthy for us. There are two

]Where can we get this fiber? Fruits have it as do most vegetables. Psyllium husk is the most commonly used source, but flax seed, or flax meal (slightly ground seed) is even better. It contains omega-3 oils as well. Oatmeal, rye, wheat, millet, quinoa, and brown rice are good grain sources.

What does fiber for you? It is helpful to your gut by assisting the removal of toxins, fats and waste. It can bind cholesterol, fatty acids and old hormones. It can help regulate blood sugar, helping diabetics. It can comb through the gut to help the lining , preventing colon cancer and diverticulitis. It is even linked to lowering breast cancer. Fiber generally pulls water to itself and thus keeping the gut moving by bulk action. It collects waste like a broom and ushers it out of the gut.  So, either constipation or diarrhea can be improved with it.

According to the American Heart association, 29 grams a day for females and39 grams per day for men would be a good dose. If you decide to add a fiber supplement, start slowly. Build up over several weeks.

Still skeptical? Many patients use fiber to help with their health and then report weight loss! It helps you feel full cleans and adds stability to the colon health. Come in for a consultation to help address your concerns. 630-322-9522