There is no question YOU Need Fiber

Don't ever doubt for a moment you need fiber in your diet and if you don't eat enough foods that provide fiber you should find a good fiber supplement.

This is funny because I normally find it easy to talk about health issues but for some reason I find it very uncomfortable talking about not being able to have a bowel movement. When I first entered into the nutritional field many years a go it seem like at every event the group I was with at some point in the day would end up talking about bowel movements and it embarrassed me to death. BUT the truth is it is one of the biggest problems that Americans deal with on a daily basis and has the biggest impact on your over all health.

Fiber absorbs large amounts of water in the bowels, and this makes stools softer and easier to pass. In almost all cases, increasing fiber in the diet will relieve constipation within hours or days. Because stools are easier to pass, less straining is necessary, and this can help relieve hemorrhoids.

However a lack of fiber has much more to do with your health than not being able to go to the bathroom.

Heart disease. Research is now is showing that foods containing soluble fiber (such as oats, rye barley, and beans) can have a positive influence on cholesterol, triglycerides, and other particles in the blood that affect the development of heart disease. Some fruits and vegetables (such as citrus fruits and carrots) have been shown to have the same effect.

Cancer. The passage of food through the body is speed up when fiber is consumed. Some experts believe this may prevent harmful substances found in some foods from affecting the colon and may protect against colon cancer. (However, a recent study conducted by Harvard University concluded that eating high-fiber food did not appear to protect people from colon cancer.) Other types of cancer that are linked with over nutrition and may be prevented by a fiber-rich diet include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer.

Diabetes. Adding fiber to the diet helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is important in avoiding diabetes. In addition, some people with diabetes can achieve a significant reduction in their blood sugar levels and may find they can reduce their medication.

Diverticular disease. Diverticular disease is a condition in which small pouches, called diverticula, develop in the wall of the colon. In a small percentage of people, these diverticula become inflamed or infected, a condition known as diverticulitis. Diverticular disease can cause pain, diarrhea, constipation, and other problems.

Everyone should take in 30-35 grams of fiber daily. Fiber can also play a big role in keeping weight under control. Foods containing plenty of fiber have more bulk than low-fiber foods. If taken in the right form at the right time and at sufficient quantities, fiber can sometimes slow the onset of hunger.

From a personal stand point I can say that eating plenty of fiber has played a part in my weight loss journey. Almost every morning since I started on my journey I ate a bowl of oatmeal which is high in fiber. It gives me a full feeling and with the appetite suppression SlimMax provides, I don't even think about eating until late afternoon. Which is something I had to work on. The more times a day you can eat something small the more it helps to keep your metabolism working. I also gave up white bread and eat only wheat which is also a source of fiber.

Why did I write about fiber today? Because I have been out of oatmeal this week and I tried a new smart white bread that is suppose to be good for you. With these two changes in my daily diet I have cut my fiber intake and I woke up this morning feeling sluggish and constipated. At first I couldn't figure out why this was happening but it didn't take me long to figure it out. What is the most surprising is how fast it happen. Within less than a week by cutting my fiber consumption I am miserable. So it goes without saying I will be having oatmeal for breakfast and back to wheat bread.

Check in tomorrow for what types of food you can eat to get enough fiber daily.


Until Next Time ... Keep Smil'n and Stay Healthy!