The Importance of Dietary Fiber.

Of the major killer conditions heart attack, stroke and cancer constitute the cause of around 2 out of 3 of all deaths. This year 1.4 Million Americans will die of these three major killers. About 1 in 3 who suffer a first heart attack will not survive. As the "Baby Boomers" age, a group that now constitutes one third of the population, many will succumb to the perils of these diseases as well as the premature onset of many of the chronic degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, obesity, diabetes, brain dementia and immune system failure.

The underlying cause of this early onset of degenerative diseases relates to the way we age. The aging process itself is now considered an actual disease - a disease caused by the continual assault on the cells, tissues and organs of the body by free radical oxidation injury. Free radicals are unstable molecules derived as a by product of oxidative metabolism or from external sources that bind to the cells proteins, enzymes, cell membrane lipoproteins and nuclear DNA to alter or destroy their function in the cell. Contributing external sources of free radicals derive from the foods we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe.

OUR SAD NUTRITIONAL STATE: It is now well recognized that the Standard American Diet (SAD) consisting of fast foods, over-processed, synthetic and chemically preserved foods along with generally unfresh gas treated produce provides only the basic necessary macronutrients for metabolism such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. However such a diet comes up significantly short when it comes to the important protective micronutrients including antioxidant vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and of course fiber The consequences of ingesting such a deficient diet over time has proven to have major detrimental consequences in the increased incidence of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and a whole list of other chronic debilitating diseases ultimately leading to death. Much recent scientific evidence has pointed to the importance of adding or supplementing many of these micronutrients to our diet in order to fully complement our dietary needs.

When it comes to fiber the daily dietary consumption of the average person in our country is only one-third (10-12 grams) of what is recommended (Ic 30-50 grams). In order to maintain such daily adequate intake from sources such as fruits, vegetables and grains alone it would require us to ingest about a 5000 calorie load. A mammoth amount to say the least. By far the easiest way is to supplement our current intake with a concentrated supplement. Fiber is however a complex substance made up of different poorly digestible plant components. Since different fibers initiate different responses, it is advisable to obtain adequate fiber from a wide variety of sources rather than excessive amounts from a single source.

References:

New Facts About Fiber
Betty Kamen Ph.D. 1997 Nutrition Encounter Inc.

Stop Aging Now
Jean Carper 1995 Harper Perennial

DISEASES documented to be highly associated with the typical American (western) low fiber diet include:

1. METABOLIC - Obesity, Gout, Diabetes mellitus, Gall stones, Kidney stones.
2. CARDIOVASCULAR - Hypertension, Cerebrovascular ischemia, atherosclerosis, Coronary heart disease, varicose veins, thrombosis and pulomonary embolism.
3. COLONIC - Constipation, Appendicitis, Diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, Colon Cancer, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
4. OTHER - Dental caries, Autoimmune Disorders, Breast and Prostate Cancer, Hiatal hernia and Gastric ulcers.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF DIETARY

FIBER: Fiber is well known to have the following beneficial physiologic effects. Fiber

• Decreases intestinal transit time assisting in colon cleansing.
• Delays gastric emptying resulting in reduced after-meal elevations in blood glucose.
• Increases Stool weight and bulk assisting in elimination of ingested toxins.
• Encourages the growth of more advantageous large intestinal flora.
• Decreases serum lipids including Cholesterol, Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and Triglycerides. The water soluble fibers such as oat bran, guar gum and pectin are capable lowering the serum lipids by binding bile salts and fats thus increasing fecal loss. The water insoluble fibers such as wheat bran have a far less effect on reducing serum lipid levels.
• Controls weight. Dietary fiber can play a role in preventing obesity and subsequently the onset of Type II diabetes. If taken as an appropriate supplement 10-15 minutes before a meal the hunger reflex is quelled and satiety occurs with lower food intake. Secondly the fiber acts to stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing the uptake of glucose from the gut which in turn reduces the insulin glycemic response. Fiber also increases fecal caloric lipid loss. All of these effects can enhance weight reduction when used in conjunction with appropriate dietary calorie restriction and exercise.

How Fibers Differ:

Soluble fiber

• lowers cholesterol reduces heart disease risk improves blood sugar lowers blood pressure

Insoluble fiber

• aids digestion aids in elimination promotes regularity contributes to bowel cleansing

Fiber Products available from HealthyNutritionals.com

*Prices show below are retail list prices. Save up to 10% and more by ordering from our on-line store.

Nutri-Fiber: 1 1/4 teaspoon contains 3.6 grams of insoluble psyllium fiber in addition to 500mg Vit. C 5000 units of Vit A (Beta carotene) in an orange flavoured base. Item # 07004 8oz. -  $16.95*

Honey Wafers: Chewable natural Oat Bran honey cinnamon flavoured wafers. Each wafer contains 750 mg Oat Bran fiber.
Item #07005 (120 wafers) $13.95*

GOOD To Go SHAKES: Perhaps the best source of dietery fiber available. A low fat, high-fiber meal replacement providing complete wholesome nutrition in a convenient packet with the proper ration of soluble and insoluble fiber. Each packet contains 12 grams of fiber, 8 grams soluble and 3 grams insoluble. Fiber sources include oat fiber, guar gum, sugar beet fiber, rice bran, psyllium, locust bean gum, pea fiber, barley bran, flaxseed fiber, xanthum gum, apple pectin, carrot,flg and prune flber.In addition the product contains 200mcg of chromium to assist in blood sugar stabilization. The product is cholesterol and lactose free. Mixed with water or skim milk a full or partial packet makes a great tasting milk shake in either vanilla almond or Dutch chocolate flavor.
Item #07024 (Chocolate) (14 packets)   $33.95*
Item #07024 (Vanilla) (14 packets)     $33.95*

*Prices listed here are suggested retail, a 10% discount is given to orders placed here on our website.

This page last uploaded on 05/17/00 02:28:30 AM