Natural Fiber Supplements

Most fiber is not digested, but moves through the gastrointestinal tract and out of the body via the stool. Even though it does not get metabolized, fiber offers many important health benefits. It can retain water, prevent constipation and reduce the occurrence of hemorrhoids. It binds with certain substances and toxins for elimination. High fiber diets can also reduce the risk of colon cancer. Supplementation is beneficial when adequate fiber is not consumed in the diet.

Psyllium

A water-soluble fiber, psyllium is extracted from the husks of the plant's seeds. It belongs to the mucilage class of soluble fibers. These fibers retain water and are usually thick. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effect of psyllium on serum cholesterol levels with positive results. In the "Archives of Internal Medicine" in February of 1988, a study was cited in which 26 men with mild to moderate high cholesterol were given psyllium and placebo with meals. After eight weeks, the men who consumed psyllium reduced their total cholesterol levels by 14.8 percent with no negative side effects.
Psyllium is also used for various digestive concerns including constipation, diarrhea, colitis and diverticulitis. It is found in many colon cleansing supplements and may be beneficial in the prevention of colon cancer. Psyllium swells and forms a gel when mixed with water in the intestines, which allows for a larger, softer stool to move through the intestines with less force on the intestinal walls. This can prevent diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Pectin

Pectin is a soluble fiber found inside plant cells, which offers many health benefits. It helps regulate and protect the intestinal tract and may lower serum cholesterol levels. It binds to the cholesterol to prevent the formation of atherosclerosis. Pectin also prevents the surge of blood glucose levels by reducing the uptake rate of glucose after eating carbohydrates. Much like psyllium, pectin softens and expands to provide a bulkier stool that can pass more easily through the colon.

Flax Seed

This high fiber food and supplement provides both soluble and insoluble fiber making it very beneficial to the body. Like many fibers, the flax seeds aid in the cleansing of the intestines and increase volume and ease of bowel movements. The soluble fiber provided is gentle on the intestinal walls and can reduce irritation from irritable bowels. The insoluble fiber helps increase the bulk of feces. A unique benefit of flax seed is that it can be used by pregnant women for relief of constipation with the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and enzymes.