(Last Updated On: April 15, 2017)Problems Caused By Fiber In The Diet
Let’s now look at the most common and most serious illnesses that may be caused by fiber in the diet.
All of the colorectal disorders listed below are based on an over consumption of fiber, and you will find relief if you start to eliminate fiber from your diet.
Diverticular disease (diverticulosis)
Fiber will increase the size of the stool in the large intestine (which is far bigger than the intestine can manage) this disease will be formed over time. This is due to the intestinal wall being expanded to cope with the large amount of material in the intestine. This CANNOT happen from non fibrous meals or over eating. Our stomach is designed to stretch. Our bodies can process foods and break them down. We can not break down fiber. Fiber passes through our body intact. The intestinal wall being expanded causes pouches along the intestines that are pushed out like an over stuffed sausage.
Irritable bowel syndrome
The undigested fiber, and the way that it causes problems in the large intestine (by expanding) together with the acidity from fermentation by the “good” intestinal flora is what causes the irritation of the mucosa lining inside the colon. This is why the term irritable bowel is used.
For most people, they can reverse the symptoms of IBS within a few days if they only remove fiber from their diet. If they then go back to eating fiber, the symptoms and pain will return (as soon as the fiber reaches the large intestine).
Ulcerative colitis
dysbacteriosis and fermentation-related acidity have negative effects on the intestinal mucosa and its protective properties. This can then lead to ulcers on the intestinal walls. On top of this, ulcers take time to heal and this is made worse by a deficiency in vitamin K (which helps the blood to clot) (see malnutrition below), which is caused by dysbacteriosis.
In order to reverse the condition, again it is the process of removing fiber from your diet. This will help to bring the good bacteria back to the large intestine, which will help to reverse the condition.
What is dysbacteriosis?
The absence of “good” intestinal flora. Common symptoms and complications of dysbacteriosis include fever, nausea, diarrhea, high blood pressure, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, weight increase and headaches.
Crohn’s disease
Enteritis is the inflammation of the small intestine. When this goes on for a long time, enteritis can move into a condition known as Crohn’s disease. Intestinal obstruction can occur when the mucosal inflammation gets very severe.
The symptoms can happen during the entire length of the small or large intestine. However, the most common area of clogging (with undigested fiber) is the bottom section of the ileum.
The ileum is also the place that bacterial fermentation takes place and where fecal reflux is most likely to occur. Studies show that the number of cases has increased in the western world over the last few decades. This increase matches the increase in the consumption of indigestible fiber.
Symptoms may include:
Diarrhea. The inflammation that occurs in Crohn's disease causes cells in the affected areas of your intestine to secrete large amounts of water and salt. Because the colon can't completely absorb this excess fluid, you develop diarrhea. Intensified intestinal cramping also can contribute to loose stools. Diarrhea is a common problem for people with Crohn's.
Abdominal pain and cramping. Inflammation and ulceration may cause the walls of portions of your bowel to swell and eventually thicken with scar tissue. This affects the normal movement of contents through your digestive tract and may lead to pain and cramping. More-serious cases include nausea, vomiting and severe pain.
Blood in your stool. As food moves through your digestive tract it may cause inflamed tissue to bleed bright red blood in the toilet bowl or darker blood mixed with your stool.
Ulcers.
Crohn's disease can cause sores or ulcers in your mouth similar to canker sores, as well as on the surface of the intestine that eventually become large ulcers, that can penetrate the intestinal walls.
Reduced appetite/weight loss. Abdominal pain and cramping and the inflammatory reaction in the wall of your bowel will affect both your appetite and your ability to digest and absorb food.
Other signs and symptoms People with severe Crohn's disease may also experience:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Arthritis
• Eye inflammation
• Mouth sores
• Skin disorders
• Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
• Delayed growth or sexual development, in children
Chronic constipation
Fiber is dangerous for people as it causes an increase of stool size and weight in the colon. When stools are enlarged, it causes anorectal damage and even more severe constipation than the patient is currently used to. If you are taking medications, the damage is even worse, as the medication increases the size of the stools even further (as the good bacteria, which breaks down the stools, are killed by almost every medication).
For healthier people, the onset of constipation takes longer, but with a diet of fiber, it is only a matter of time before condition is experienced.
Anal fissures
Anal fissures are a tear in the skin lining of the anal passage, and are therefore very painful, especially when trying to have a bowel movement. The damage can be very difficult to heal, as every stool that is passed will increase the damage and create a new tear (or expand the current tear). It is the fiber in the diet, causing large and heavy stools that are the root cause of this problem, and the wounds will continue until the diet is changed and the stools become smaller and moist.
Malnutrition
Your body goes through lots of hard work breaking food down into basic nutrients, simple sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, unfortunately this is a waste of time unless they get absorbed into the bloodstream. The final act of absorption normally takes place in the small intestine, unless the small intestine is inflamed. If you are suffering with inflammation of the small intestine the essential nutrients will not be absorbed. This condition is very difficult to overcome, unless all fiber is completely withdrawn, allowing your intestines time to heal.
