A diet rich in fiber supports good bowel function and generally benefits your entire body. "Harrison's Principle of Internal Medicine" recommends that healthy adults consume at least 35 g of fiber every day to maintain optimal health. Acacia fiber comes from the sap of the Acacia Senegal tree and according to "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," it is a good source of fiber and also has several purported medical uses. Currently available clinical evidence, however, does not support the use of acacia fiber for medical purposes. You should speak with a medical professional before consuming any herbal supplement including acacia fiber.
Acacia Fiber
Acacia is also known as Acacia Senegal, Acacia verek, Acacia Arabica, Goma Arábiga, Gum Arabic, Bum Senegal, Gum Acacia, Bomme Arabique, Bummae Momosae, Bomme de Senegal, Khadir, Kumatia, Mimosa Senegal, Kher and Senegalia Senegal. Acacia fiber is the gum extracted from various species of the acacia tree. It is soluble in water. Acacia fiber is normally sold as a fine powder or in tablet form. Acacia fiber contains no gluten, sugar, salt, corn, soy, or yeast.
Acacia Fiber Uses
According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," acacia fiber can effectively treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome and is also a good source of prebiotics. Prebiotics promote the good bacteria in your intestines, thereby promoting healthy digestion. Additionally, acacia fiber can reduce gas and bloating. Acacia is also used as a pharmaceutical ingredient to manufacture several medications for stomach or throat inflammation and as a film-forming agent in skin masks.
Acacia Fiber Benefits
According to the "Therapeutic Herb Manual," supplementation with acacia fiber can also help to raise HDL cholesterol levels in your body. Additionally, acacia fiber can stimulate cholecystokinin, a hormone in your body responsible for stimulating the digestion of protein and fat in your body. Further, acacia fiber can help your body to remove toxins accumulated in your digestive system. Moreover, acacia fiber can regulate cholesterol levels in your body and help to lower your blood pressure.
Precautions
Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid acacia fiber because of the general lack of knowledge about the possible side effects associated with use of this supplement. Additionally, acacia gum may interact with amoxicillin preventing your body from absorbing this antibiotic. According to "Therapeutic Herb Manual," you should always wait at least four hours after taking amoxicillin to take acacia fiber supplements. Further, you should not take acacia fiber with iron supplements.
References
- Renew Life: Amazing Acacia Fiber
- Viable Herbal Solutions: Acacia Bark
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper, Eugene Braunwald, Stephen Hauser, Dan Longo, J. Larry Jameson and Anthony Fauci; 2004
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