Role of High Fiber SupplementsSupplements that are high in fiber have long been used to complement the daily consumption of dietary fiber. Only plant life can provide daily fiber so we must rely on fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, peas, lentils, etc.), nuts and a variety of whole grains. Fibers fall into two categories – insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps your body move foods through your digestive system (whole wheat flour and nuts are good insoluble fibers). Soluble fibers dissolve in water and help the body lower cholesterol and glucose levels (apples, oats, beans are soluble fibers).
Supplements that are high in fiber (though most are dissolved in water when taken) act as insoluble fiber – they offer more digestive benefits than reducing cholesterol or glucose in the body. The brand names most commonly associated with high fiber supplements include Metamucil, Citrucel and FiberCon.
When trying to increase your daily fiber consumption, supplements high in fiber may have a new niche benefit. Woman under 50 should consume 25 grams of fiber a day. Men under 50 should consume 38 grams daily. It is thought that high fiber supplements might help the body think it is consuming more natural fiber than it really is – making better use of the fiber being eaten. The best approach to finding out if you need a supplement high in fiber added to your diet is to consult with a doctor or nutritionist. It’s an important consideration. A high fiber diet may reduce the risk of intestinal disorders like repeat hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease. Fiber, particularly soluble fiber, has also been shown to reduce “bad” cholesterol levels and slows the body’s absorption of sugar, which helps keep sugar and energy levels consistent through the day. Supplements high in fiber do decrease the appetite. A number of diets suggest taking a tablespoon of high fiber supplements before each meal – this does suppress the desire for food some, but, as with any dietary consideration, moderation of this is important. The draw back to this tactic is that most supplements have little to no nutritional value. Using natural fiber to produce this sense of being full has more health and fitness value. Decreasing your appetite by using high fiber supplements makes your body (some say tricks your body) tap into its fat reserves to process food. The digestive procedure slows down as fiber moves through the system. This means it takes extra energy to process the food in the digestive tract. Almost all green vegetables and high citrus fruits do this naturally and very effectively. High fiber supplements provide additional options and resources to lead a healthier lifestyle and even fight obesity. So, go ahead, follow the steps below to start losing weight right now.
The goal, though, should be getting our diet to have the advised daily amount of fiber naturally. As pointed out there is a sweeping range of wonderful high fiber foods in any produce section! Return to The Duality of a High Fiber Diet from Role of High Fiber Supplements Return to Begin Your Journey of Overcoming Obesity from Role of High Fiber Supplements |