Fiber – Your Gateway To Health

Are you getting enough fiber in your diet?

The general consensus is no – we are not consuming enough fiber in our diets. It is estimated that Americans average around 15 grams of fiber a day. For good health it is recommended that one consumes between 20-35 grams a day.

It has been noted that colon cancer (most diseases start in the colon), so common in Europe and North America, is hardly ever found among the native African population. Physicians attribute this to diets that contain large amounts of natural products.

Fiber is an integral part of good health, yet many people are not getting enough. The thing is,  fiber is only found in select groups of foods. These foods include:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Grains
• Legumes
• Some nuts and seeds

There are many benefits to eating foods high in fiber.

Fiber acts as an internal cleanser – it has been consider the ‘broom’ of the intestines. When you consume fiber it speeds the process of waste elimination.

Fiber helps to keep you feeling full after eating. Consumption helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Helps to avoid spikes in blood sugar which cause you to feel hungry again quickly which can lead to overeating.

What are some of the risks of not enough fiber intake?

Well, not enough fiber can put you at risk to intestinal bacteria build up, rotting food (putrification) and constipation.

Low fiber can result in painful waste elimination and a host of negative side effects that could include hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and ultimately creating an internal environment that is ripe for disease formation.

Bad gas and general internal discomfort are also on that list.

What are some things people can do to work towards better digestive health?

Drink plenty of water. Water helps to eliminate toxins from the body – and keeps internal processes running efficiently.

Aim for 2-3 servings of fruit per day and 5-9 servings of vegetables.

Eat fruits on an empty stomach and 20 minutes before any other food. This will maximize absorption and digestion.

Fiber supplements are a quick and convenient way to get extra fiber. Consider ground flax seed as it is high in fiber and good fats.

Consider supplementing your diet with digestive enzymes.  Our ability to digest food becomes weaker as we age.  A digestive enzyme product should contain these three ingredients – Protease, Amylase and Lipase. These ingredients help to break down proteins, carbs and fats. These enzymes should be taken after your meal. Particularly helpful after a big meal with a variety of different foods.

Using the tips above, you should be able to put yourself on a path to better health.

For those previously on low fiber diets – you should consider gradually increasing your fiber intake. Too much at once could lead to discomfort. Take it day by day and make sure to drink lots of water.