Luxury Comforter Sets

Can Fiber Boost My Intestinal Health and Wellness?

We have been told that we must eat a certain amount of fiber with our meals because it is ‘good for us’. Most of us have been led to believe that this is because fiber promotes bowel motions and prevents us from suffering from constipation. It is also good for our digestive system. But how true is this, and just what are the real benefits of fiber in our diet?

First of what, what is fiber? Sure, we know there must be fiber in food such as cabbage, beans and celery because we can see it. But is all fiber actually fibrous? Of course not, so let’s first have a close look at what dietary fiber actually is.

Fiber is composed of these parts of a plant that are broken down by the action of enzymes in our digestive juices in the upper parts of our intestinal tract. Some fiber can be digested by the bacteria in our lower intestine, and some is not. So where does fiber come from? By that definition, fiber can be any part of your food, not only the stringy bits, and by definition are of vegetable origin.

Water insoluble fibers increase fecal bulk. That’s the stringy stuff in celery and string beans. It is also contained in cellulose materials, lignin, wheat bran, whole grains and most vegetables. These have the effect of increasing the efficiency of the peristaltic movement of the intestine on the passage of chyme (the creamy fluid that exits the stomach into the duodenum) through your system.

The liquid and nutrients are progressively removed, and the fiber maintains the bulk needed for peristalsis to work properly. Peristalsis is the rhythmic movement of the intestine that forces your food right from your stomach to your rectum. It is also the basis of some forms of industrial pump that operate on the same principle. Without fiber this pump would be inefficient.

Soluble fiber includes the gum and pectin that are obtained from plant cells. They swell up the chyme, and slow down its rate of travel through the gastrointestinal system, although they have no effect on fecal bulk. Specific examples are oat bran, fruit and most vegetables (all plants contain both). A peach, for example, consists of a skin which is insoluble fiber, and the juicy pulp beneath it which is predominantly soluble fiber.

Although a distinction is made between dietary and crude fiber, they both have their part to play. The term ‘fiber’ is a wide one and it cannot be said that fiber as a whole imparts a specific health benefit. The benefits of fiber are a combination of those imparted by the full range of types of fiber and their sources that are contained in the human diet, both crude and dietary, soluble and insoluble.

So what specifically are these benefits, other than just the generalization that they are ‘good for your intestinal health’? As you likely know, it is the fiber in your diet that binds your feces together into a solid, rather than leaving it as a mobile liquid. Although around 75% of feces are liquid, the bulk of the rest is fiber, bacteria and undigested food.

Since insoluble fiber makes feces bulkier and softer it can help treat constipation, where the stool has an excess of solid content. Any substance that absorbs water and swells can help with this condition. The same is true of hemorrhoids and a condition of the wall of the intestine known as diverticulosis. Once the inflammation has subsided, a high soluble fiber diet can help prevent a recurrence.

If you want to lose weight, a fiber diet can make you feel full without the calories, since fiber is calorie-free. There is also the fact that high fiber foods have to be chewed longer before they can be swallowed, and so you are liable to eat less in the same time. However, if you are determined, all that means is that you will have to lunch longer to get the same weight gain!

There is little doubt that a fiber-rich diet contributes significantly to intestinal health, and that if the correct amount of fiber is not taken then problems such as constipation, diarrhea, diverticulosis and a lack of absorption of nutrients will occur. The peristaltic pumping motion of the whole gastrointestinal tract, from the top of the throat to the anus, is dependent on solids rather than liquids. While a semi-liquid fecal consistency will pass through your body, it will take the bulk of the nutrition extracted from your food with it. It is fiber that is needed to bulk it up and to enable the liquid to be extracted through the intestinal wall and the fibrous solid to pass on through the colon to the anus.

There are other benefits of a diet high in fiber, though they generally depend on the type of fiber. Take cholesterol, for example. High LDL blood cholesterol levels are associated with atherosclerosis, and the consequent risk of heart disease and strokes, due to the oxidation of the LDL by free radicals. When the HDL lipids carry cholesterol back to the liver, it is destroyed by the action of bile acids. Since water soluble fiber binds bile acids, it figures that some types of fiber can promote the excretion of cholesterol from the body. The fiber most effective in achieving this comes from rolled oats and also pectin.

It has also been claimed that dietary fiber might be effective in preventing cancer of the colon. The theory is that bowel cancer is caused by toxins in the feces and if the fecal matter is expelled from the body quickly, the toxins will have less time to act. Fiber promotes the expulsion of the contents of the colon. This has not been confirmed, however.

What has been confirmed is that your bowel can collect mucoid plaque that sticks to mainly your colon, and is an ideal environment for parasites and yeast infections. The National Fiber Council has stated that most people do not eat enough fiber, and the average requirement is 38g a day for men and 25g a day for women.

So eat your fiber, because fiber can boost your intestinal health and wellness.

About the Author

More information on
dietary fiber
is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

QUEEN 98% Waveless Boyd Waterbed Mattress+Fiber Filled Quilted Pad-FREE FEDEX $220.15

Organic Hemp fibre filled blanket 2 х 2,15 m 78*85 in Anti allergic Breathable $185.00

QUEEN 80% Waveless Boyd Waterbed Mattress+Fiber Filled Quilted Pad-FREE FEDEX $199.00

QUEEN 90% Waveless Boyd Waterbed Mattress+Fiber Filled Quilted Pad-FREE FEDEX $194.65

KING/CA KING 90% Waveless Waterbed Mattress+Fiber Filled Quilted Pad-FREE FEDEX $194.65

Oriental Furniture 6′ x 3′ Full Size Fiber Fill Tatami Mat $188.00

Oriental Furniture Half Size Fiber Fill Tatami Mat 3′ x 3′ TM-HALF $188.00

100 Fiber filled Footballs 6 inches long $178.60

*NEW* Aprilia RSV4 CARBON FIBER WITH ALUMINUM gas Fuel Fill Cap Austin Racing $169.99

PURE Organic Hemp fibre filled blanket 55*80 in Anti allergic Breathable Cozy $155.00

KING/CA KING 70% Waveless Waterbed Mattress+Fiber Filled Quilted Pad-FREE FEDEX $169.00

QUEEN 70% Waveless Waterbed Mattress and Fiber Filled Quilted Pad-FREE FEDEX $169.00

Polyester Ball Fibre Filling 10kg $84.87

Jewelry Box Glass Top Display Case Fiber Fill Case X12 $156.95

12 Fiber Poly Fill Jewelry Box Glass Top Display Cases $156.90

8 Large Fiber Poly Fill Jewelry Box Glass Top Display $139.90

Quilt Kids Catch A Wave Theme twin or full New $118.99

Quilt Kids CARS Theme twin or full /queen pillow sham dustruffle New $118.99

Quilt Kids Classic Sports Theme twin or full /queen pillow sham dustruffle New $118.99

PURE Organic Hemp fibre filled pillow 27,5×27,5″ Anti allergic Breathable Cozy $105.00

Jewelry Box Glass Top Display Case Deep Fiber Fill X8 $121.95

8 Deep Fiber Poly Fill Jewelry Box Glass Top Display $121.90

Sleek Contemporary Micro Fiber Twin Quilt Taupe Aqua Pillow Shams Cotton Fill $116.98

Oriental Furniture 6′ x 3′ Full Size Fiber Fill Tatami Mat $99.00

CARDED POLYESTER FIBRE 10KG – toy filling – stuffing – hollow fibre – FREE POST $66.01

Quilt Kids Catch A Wave Theme twin or full New $98.99

Quilt Kids CARS Theme twin or full /queen pillow sham dustruffle New $98.99

Quilt Kids Classic Sports Theme twin or full /queen pillow sham dustruffle New $98.99

Discount P Kaufmann Tribal Thread 26 X 26 Custom Pillow $99.99

Discount P Kaufmann Tribal Thread 26 X 26 Custom Pillow $99.99

Discount P Kaufmann Tribal Thread 26 X 26 Custom Pillow $99.99

Oriental Furniture 3′ x 3′ Half Size Fiber Fill Tatami Mat $108.00

Oriental Furniture Half Size Fiber Fill Tatami Mat 3′ x 3′ TM-HALF $108.00

BLACK POLYESTER STAPLE FIBRE 10KG – toy stuffing – filling – heavy – FREE POST $58.15

WHITE POLYESTER STAPLE FIBRE 10KG – toy stuffing – filling – heavy – FREE POST $58.15

NEW Chisel Stainless Steel 14k Gold Filled & Carbon Fiber 8″ Men’s Bracelet $102.00

PURE Organic Hemp fibre filled pillow 19,5×27,5″ Anti allergic Breathable Cozy $80.00

Reduce Snoring – Anti Snore Pillow from Contour – Premium Quality Fiber Filled $99.99

Chisel® Stainless Steel 14K Gold Filled Accent & Carbon Fiber Finish 8″ Bracelet $92.99

Polyester Ball Fibre Filling 5kg $44.00

Coat, Totes, deep-Pink Belt warm detachable-fiber-filled-lining Nylon, 12P $75.95

PURE Organic Hemp fibre filled pillow 23×15 in Anti allergic Breathable Cozy $70.00

Extra LARGE Dog Bed with Premium Fiber Fill 9″ x 36″ x 52″ BLACK Machine WASH ! $87.00

Organic Cotton Kapok Fiber Filled premium King Pillow $79.00

Val Med Hollowcore Fiber Fill Bed Pad Cushion Overlay $85.50

CARDED POLYESTER FIBRE 5KG – toy filling – stuffing – hollow fibre – FREE POST $35.36

Eureka Wild Basin 0 Sleeping Bag Fiber Fill Mummy Regular $79.95

All Organic Cotton Fiber Filled King Size Pillow $69.95

BLACK POLYESTER STAPLE FIBRE 5KG – toy stuffing – filling – heavy – FREE POST $29.86

WHITE POLYESTER STAPLE FIBRE 5KG – toy stuffing – filling – heavy – FREE POST $29.86

Finum 100 Tea Filters, Large, Brown $3.95 Unbleached natural tea filters. These large filters are perfect for brewing loose-leaf tea in a pot or cup of your choice. Simply open the filter and place your favorite tea or blend inside and enjoy! 100 filters per box….

Lite Cylinder LC-20-30 Composite See-Through Propane Tank, 5.39 Gallons Capacity, Blue $95.99 Never run out of gas again! This 20 lb. propane tank is made from a composite material which is translucent so you can easily see the level of gas inside. The composite material that this small propane tank is made from is 30% lighter than steel and corrosion free! In addition to being DOT approved, this 20lb propane tank comes with a standard UL Listed Type #1 valve with OPD. The propane cylinder…

Kids Line Nightlight, Star Blue $13.95 Kidsline Night Lights – Blue StarKeep them safe from things that go bump in the night.Your child will love our matching night lights.Takes a standard bulb.  …

Orbit Beige Pillow $166.99 125 Hand made pillow Each pillow is hand made as an individual piece of art. E Bella products are inspired by ancient techniques, using sophisticated organic materials, creating innovative beautiful designs for both residential and commercial spaces. -Environmentally friendly. -Luxurious, organic, modern. -Hand wash. Features: -Construction: Handmade. -Material: Alpaca / Wool. -Origin: Peru. -Col…

Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop Kit, FG1M1600GRYRD $32.90 Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop Kit Whether cleaning up a spill or just cleaning house, you’ll save more and waste less with the Rubbermaid Reveal. This lightweight spray mop uses microfiber pads to get the job done, picking up more dirt than traditional mops. The Reveal is safe to use on all hard floors and includes two refillable spray bottles so you can mix your own solutions. Just squeeze the trig…

L’Oreal Paris RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Face and Neck Contour Cream, 1.7 Ounce …

L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Advanced RevitaLift Eye Day/Night Cream Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Eye Cream Eye Puffiness Treatments Buy L’Oreal Moisturizers – L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Advanced RevitaLift Eye Day/Night Cream Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Eye Cream 14g/0.5oz…

Fiber One Chewy Bars, Oats & Chocolate, 5-Count Boxes (Pack of 12) $36.96 Oats & Chocolate Chewy BarsRich chocolate chips and hearty oats help satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your healthy lifestyle. 35% daily value of fiber* 9 grams of fiber per serving* 4 grams of total fat per barYou can enjoy Fiber One Chewy Bars as a delicious snack. Each contains 35% of the daily value of fiber. Which tempting flavor will be your favorite?Fiber factsDid you know: Fiber ca…

Special K Protein Meal Bar, Double Chocolate, 6-Count Bars 9.5 Oz. …

Marjack Products – Instant Oatmeal Cups, 1.9 oz., 24/CT, Apple Cinnamon – Sold as 1 CT – Quaker Oatmeal Express delivers a warm and delicious breakfast flavored with sweet and fruity flavor of baked apples. Simply add hot water to the high in fiber treat. Single-serve, insulated microwavable or hot water-friendly cup makes it quick and easy to prepare. Easy internal fill line on the curved bowl and a cool-to-the-touch exterior make Oatmeal Express truly portable. $47.64 Marjack Products – Instant Oatmeal Cups, 1.9 oz., 24/CT, Apple Cinnamon – Sold as 1 CTQuaker Oatmeal Express delivers a warm and delicious breakfast flavored with sweet and fruity flavor of baked apples. Simply add hot water to the high in fiber treat. Single-serve, insulated microwavable or hot water-friendly cup makes it quick and easy to prepare. Easy internal fill line on the curved bowl an…