Having the recommended amount of fiber in your diet on a daily basis has many health benefits. It will help to normalize your bowel movements and help to maintain your bowel integrity. Fiber also helps to lower your cholesterol levels, helps to control your blood sugar levels and aids in weight loss. Fiber may also help to prevent colon cancer, say experts at the Mayo Clinic. Fiber can be added to your diet by eating certain foods or by taking a natural fiber supplement.
Fiber
Fiber is the part of plant food that your body cannot digest or absorb. When fiber is consumed, it passes through your stomach, small intestine, then your colon. After fiber takes its journey through your gastrointestinal system, it is then eliminated from your body. That is why it is referred to as bulk or roughage. Adults should consume between 20 to 35 g of fiber per day, according to Medline Plus.
Types Of Fiber
There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber tends to slow digestion and turns to a gel during digestion. Soluble fiber is known to lower cholesterol and prevents heart disease. Soluble fiber is in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas and some fruits and vegetables, reports Medline Plus. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and speeds up digestion. Insoluble fiber is in wheat bran, vegetables and whole grains. This type of fiber helps with constipation or irregular stools.
Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplements are good to take if you have a difficult time getting enough fiber into your diet everyday. If you do take a fiber supplement, make sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids daily as it can make constipation worse. Fiber supplements are often recommended for people with chronic constipation or irritable bowel, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consult with your primary care physician before using a fiber supplement.
Benefiber
Benefiber is a natural fiber supplement that is made from 100 percent wheat dextrin. When Benefiber is added to your beverages or food, it completely dissolves. Benefiber reports that this product is gluten-free, grit-free and it does not gel or thicken. Benefiber is natural soluble fiber. Consult with your primary care physician before using this product.
Metamucil
Metamucil is made from 100 percent psyllium fiber. Metamucil reports that the fiber in this products acts like a sponge, trapping some cholesterol, then gently removes the waste from your system. Metamucil is a soluble fiber. Contact your primary care physician before using this product.
Konsyl
Konsyl is made from 100 percent natural psyllium fiber. Konsyl reports that this fiber supplement is gluten-free, benefits diabetic management as it is sugar-free and safe to use during pregnancy. Konsyl is a soluble fiber. Contact your primary care physician before using this product.
Unifiber
Unifiber reports that this product is made from natural highly refined plant cellulose. This product is an insoluble fiber and adds bulk to your stool and it treats constipation. Consult with your primary care physician before using this product.
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