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 James McNabb, M.D., C.N. |
Fiber
Fiber was once called non-nutritive. That makes it sound like we don’t need it. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The term stemmed from the fact that we don’t absorb fiber.
Bacteria Food
While we can’t break down and utilize fiber for food, our intestinal bacteria do.
We harbor within our intestinal tract a veritable zoo of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria do many important functions for us. They manufacture a number of substances required for our health, including a number of vitamins. They also produce butyrate, a substance that the intestinal lining cells use for energy. By growing and multiplying, they keep pathogenic bacteria and yeast cells from growing and causing disease. Lastly, by multiplying copiously, they make up the majority of our stool volume. By producing larger and softer stools, intestinal transit times are shortened, resulting in reduced colon polyp and intestinal cancer rates. Two or three stools a day should be the norm rather than one. These are very healthy benefits for us.
Recommendations
A great way to add fiber to our diet is with flax seed. I add a scoop of seeds to an inexpensive coffee bean grinder. In 10 seconds, I have a fine powder. I recommend 1 scoop a day. Add it to a glass of water and drink, or stir it into yogurt . Metamucil is another way to add fiber to your diet.
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Optimum Nutrition: Nutrition Information and Nutritional Products from Physician-Nutrition.com