Soluble in water, organic acacia fiber is becoming a popular natural alternative in relieving digestive discomfort. Commonly sold in powder form in pharmacies, organic acacia fiber is free of chemical residue and may easily be added to recipes or mixed in with favorite foods for an extra boost of fiber.
Origin
Also known as thorn trees, acacia plants grow on most continents of the world. Members of the mimosa subfamily, acacia plants have been used as folk medicine to lower blood cholesterol levels. Honey that is produced by bees from acacia pollen is considered to be a delicacy. Organic acacia fiber is derived from the gum that oozes out of the acacia tree in early winter.
Indications
A doctor may prescribe organic acacia fiber to a patient with IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. Diarrhea may also be relieved by taking organic acacia fiber. Abdominal pain which may be experienced in a person with a spastic colon may be relieved a short time after ingesting organic acacia fiber, according to OrganicAcacia.com.
Benefits
Considered by some as a "medical food," organic acacia fiber works as a probiotic in the intestines. This means that organic acacia fiber is capable of increasing helpful flora in the gut, which reduces colonic fermentation, gas and bloating. According to OrganicAcacia.com, when dissolved in water organic acacia fiber has the ability to soothe inflammation in the respiratory tract and urinary tract as well as in the digestive system.
Industry
An industrial use of organic or non-organic acacia fiber is found in the papermaking industry. Acacia fiber serves as an environmentally acceptable alternative to tropical hardwoods in the production of paper products. Acacia fiber provides a pulp which gives paper a smooth consistency and a bright white opaque finish.
Precaution
According to AcaciaPlant.net, not enough is known about acacia to determine how much is too much to take. Since proper studies have yet to be conducted on organic acacia fiber in pregnant or breast-feeding women, it is best avoided by these individuals. People taking iron supplements should avoid taking organic acacia fiber because of possible allergic reactions from the interaction. Refrain from taking organic acacia fiber when on antibiotics such as amoxicillin, as acacia may interfere with the absorption of the medicine by the body. In addition, persons taking Amoxil or Trimox should wait four hours before or after taking the medication before ingesting organic acacia fiber.
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