Fiber is an often forgotten part of daily nutrition. The fiber obtained from food regulates bowel function and is helpful in the treatment of cholesterol. Fiber is found in fruit, vegetables and grains, so getting enough fiber requires you to eat a well-balanced diet. If it is not possible to eat a well-balanced diet, then a fiber food supplement might be necessary. Always check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet to make sure they don't interact with medications you may already be taking.
Content
Most fiber food supplements are composed of both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber passes through your system, absorbing moisture and adding bulk to feces. Soluble fiber is fermented in the colon and is degraded in the gut to a thick, viscous gel. Psyllium husks, fruits and vegetables are the sources of soluble fiber, and dehydrated versions of these foods are incorporated into fiber supplements. The insoluble fiber found in fiber food supplements is sourced from nuts and seeds, fruit skins and lignans. Both forms of fiber are ground into a powder that can be added to water or fruit juice.
Uses
Fiber supplements are typically used to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal troubles. One of the side effects of not having enough fiber in your diet is constipation, so adding a fiber supplement to your diet would be a useful remedy for that condition. Soluble fiber supplements also are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, a condition characterized by pain in the lower intestine accompanied by, bloating, constipation and loose stools. Soluble fiber has a slower transit time through the intestines because of the viscous gel it forms in the gut, while insoluble fiber increases fecal bulk and travels through your gut faster. Proper dosing instructions must be followed if fiber supplements are prescribed to treat IBS.
Benefits
The recommended intake of fiber is 25 mg per day and most Americans only consume about half of that amount daily. Not only does fiber improve bowel regularity, but it can affect cholesterol levels as well. Cholesterol is cleared from your body via the bile that you excrete when you go to the bathroom. When you are getting enough fiber in your diet, it binds more bile, and the rate of cholesterol excretion increases.
Side Effects
While fiber food supplements are helpful for your stomach and cholesterol levels, they also can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as flatulence and bloating. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fiber food supplements can interact with medications that treat diabetes, antidepressants, cardiac function and cholesterol.
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