The importance of a high fiber diet cannot
be overstated. While Americans are told to consume at least 30 grams of fiber daily,
this is insufficient.
When we examine the diets of many
third world cultures we find that they consume, on the average, between 150
and 175 grams of fiber daily! Further consideration of their state of health
reveals that they are not plagued with most of the "industrialized"
disorders which include colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes,
arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, weakened immune systems, personality
disorders, and all of the hormone-based female disorders.
Supplementing with a variety of fibers such as whole
Psyllium Seed Husks,
powdered flax seed, guar gum and the variety of brans, can have a positive
effect on overall health and mental function. Because the gelatinous fibers
have a binding effect on toxins in the colon, as well as harmful estrogen
metabolites, excess dietary fat and cholesterol, they are able to assist
in the rapid excretion of these materials, thereby blocking their re-absorption
into the bloodstream.
This is an especially important consideration for women who suffer with the
symptoms brought on by Estrogen Dominance!
Additionally, fibers have been shown to have a gentle brooming effect on the
inner walls of the intestines, performing what might be called "daily house
cleaning." They also increase overall transit time, thereby reducing exposure
of the inner lining of the intestines to dietary (or prescriptive)
carcinogens.
As an example, when one pound of meat is charcoal grilled, it contains the
equivalent level of the carcinogen benzopyrene as 300 cigarettes! Test animals
fed benzopyrene quickly develop stomach tumors and leukemia. Meat cooked at
high temperature, even though by other more conventional methods, forms
methycolantrene, another carcinogen.
The broad prevalence of dietary and environmental carcinogens alone,
certainly offer a good argument for the adaptation of a high fiber diet and
Anti-Oxidant
supplementation.
A well-rounded program that will promote optimal health must include not less
than 100 grams of dietary fiber per day from food and/or supplemental
sources.
1 rounded tablespoon of whole
Psyllium Seed Husks = 9 grams of dietary fiber.
1 serving of fruit or
vegetable = 2-3 grams of dietary fiber.
See also : Intestinal Ecology
See also : Dietary Considerations