Why Add Fiber To Your Diet?

Why Add Fiber To Your Diet?

Published August 28, 2011

Are you trying to lose weight? Do you suffer from constipation, IBS or gas? Is your cholesterol higher than it should be?  These are a few things that can be helped a great deal by increasing the fiber in your diet.  For some reason many people tend to think that fiber will act like a laxative but it can actually work just the opposite so be aware of this fact and drink your water.  It is so important to understand what fiber is and how it can benefit your whole body health.

Simply dividing fiber into two categories is helpful for understanding how it works in your body.

• Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. This slows digestion. Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables.
• Insoluble fiber is found in foods such as wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains.-  Slavin JL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: health implications of dietary fiber. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108:1716-1731.

Combining both types of fibers is also good for overall health but weight loss and cholesterol will benefit best with soluble fiber.  Soluble fiber acts like a sponge so it will absorb and remove excess fats, bile acids, hormones and more that are recycling in your digestive system.  As you remove these things your body will need to produce fresh new hormones and bile acids.  Your body will pull cholesterol from your blood to make these things.  Since you have pulled cholesterol out of your blood your levels can drop.  Keep taking the soluble fiber over time and your doctor should be able to notice a significant drop both in cholesterol and triglycerides.  I have two friends who have seen significant improvements  by adding AIM Fit’n Fiber twice per day to their daily regimen.

AIM Fit’n Fiber is a delicious peach flavored powder that you can mix in water, juice or yogurt.  It is so simple to take and many have had great improvments. Some have even seen improvements with acid reflux.  The only thing I will say is that it does have a high amount of soluble fiber, 6 grams per scoop. This can cause gas so I recommend that you start slowly allowing your body to get used to a new level of fiber.  I also recommend that you follow each serving of fiber with an extra, 12 ounces or more, glass of water.  Extra water is beneficial for helping the fiber  work well.

Soluble fiber will also expand in your stomach and make you feel full. If you use soluble fiber 20 minutes before two meals it can help you feel full so you will not eat as much.  If you add soluble fiber to a smoothie or protein shake you can actually substitute a meal such as  breakfast. Drinking extra water with your fiber will also help you feel fuller adding to weight loss benefits.

Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and seems to help food pass more quickly through the stomach and intestines.  This is important especially when foods such as meat can ferment and create toxins in your body.  Moving your meals through your system within 16-24 hours is important.  Many people do not realize how long the food remains in their digestive system.  I am shocked when I hear that some people do not have a bowel movement for almost two weeks. This is just so dangerous, mostly bccause of the toxins created by the foods fermenting in their body. A simple corn test can help you determine your transit time.  Eat corn at one time in a two week period.  Mark down the day and time that you eat the corn.  You are now going to have to watch the toilet when you go to the bathroom to see when that insoluble corn reappears. Calculate the hours from the time you ate the corn until the time you see it again.  This time should fall between 16-24 hours.

AIM Herbal Fiberblend contains both soluble and insoluble fiber along with beneficial herbs for toning and cleansing your digestive system as well as kiling some parasites.  I feel that this is one of the best fiber cleansing products on the market. It has been a favorite of mine for years.

Increasing your fresh fruits and vegetables is also beneficial for increasing your fiber. Whole grains, beans, lentils and legumes are fiber sources that you should be getting in your daily diet.  Supplementing fiber is beneficial but try to eat wholesome fresh fiber rich foods as well.

Some people who suffer from constipation may not be drinking enough water or they may not be absorbing their water.  If you drink a lot of water but still find yourself constipated or dehydrated consider adding a good electrolyte drink to your daily routine. I highly recommend AIM Peak Endurance.  Some people find that adding 1/4 tsp of pure sea salt (such as Real Salt or Himalayan) to a 16 oz glass of water 1-2 times per day can also be a great help.  Your cells will not absorb water unless the proper salts are in the right ratios. Do some research on this topic by reading the book Your Bodies Many Cries For Water.

I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

Disclaimer: The nutritional and health information contained in this web site is for informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice or prescribe the use of diet as a method of treatment for sickness or disease. Do not apply any information given here if you are not willing to assume the risk yourself. If you use this information without the approval of a health professional you are prescribing for yourself, which is your Constitutional right. We do not assume any responsibility for your decision.