Lies My Mom Told Me About Fiber

Lies about fiber

* Helps to prevent constipation.
* It supports the body's cleansing and elimination process.
* Prevents and helps treat IBS.
* May help prevent intestinal pathologies.
* Helps to reduce cholesterol in the diet.
* May help to carry toxins out of the body.
* May help to control weight loss and appetite.

Can we eat non-dietary fiber
Do we eat dietary eggs, cheese, milk, zucchini, tomatoes?

Health experts are shouting from the treetops to consume more dietary fiber. No matter your age or ethnic origin fiber is a lifesaver. There is a lot of research suggesting that fiber may prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity almost all are sponsored by companies with the intent to sell more fiber.

They tell us that fiber has been shown to increase intestinal tone while supporting the body’s own cleansing and elimination processes. If by the tone they mean stretch and widening of intestinal walls, then yes.

This one supposed benefit alone may cause hemorrhoids by dramatically increasing stool size. and could even shorten your life in the long run!
The major problem faced by most people today is processed food! The standard American Diet, S.A.D is to blame. Convenience seems to be the catchphrase of the day. Frozen foods from the grocery store or processed foods from the drive-thru. Most of these foods are not only devoid of any significant nutrient content; they also contain lots of fiber.

So what constitutes fiber? Well, you have probably heard it called roughage in the past, but today scientists and the general public use the term fiber. Fiber is a type of undigestable complex carbohydrate found in plants that animals eat. Fiber is not considered a food; fiber in itself has no caloric value because the body cannot digest or absorb it. Therefore, high fiber foods have a tendency to be low in fat and are typically low in calories e.g. foods such as fruits and vegetables. Fiber can be divided into two categories according to their physical characteristics and effects on the body: there are the water-insoluble (‘course’ fiber) and muciligenic types. Each form functions differently when passing through the body. The insoluble fibers, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are not soluble in water. The muciligenic fibers such as gums, cereals, and pectins are more soluble in water.

From a physiological standpoint, the intestines function as the body’s own waste disposal system. Food in liquid form moves from the small intestine into the colon for final processing. Here most of the water and minerals are absorbed, leaving the semi-solid waste which is evacuated through the rectum. Any breakdown in the intestine’s natural cleansing process is accompanied by risks of poor food assimilation and toxicity build-up. Highly refined foods, including sugar and white flour, make us susceptible to intestinal problems such as colitis, constipation, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel (IBS), mega-colon, and Crohn’s disease.

These types of disorders are rare in parts of the world where native foods tend to be raw more NATURAL and unprocessed, unlike the standard American diet S.A.D.

Although fiber is not considered an essential nutrient, the U.S. Surgeon General and many professional health organizations recommend consuming a whopping 20-35 grams of fiber a day.

Decreasing the consumption of complex carbohydrates, wheat, and other unnatural foods is the best way to decrease fiber intake. So, if you notice an increase in bloating, diarrhea, gas, and general discomfort it is more than likely that you have had a large increase in fiber over a short period of time. It is important to keep fiber intake to 3 to 5 grams daily to avoid abdominal problems and serious health issues.