Many Americans count things in their diet. It may be calories, fat grams or carbohydrates, for example, but not many are aware of how many grams of fiber they are consuming per day. A balanced, healthy diet can supply daily fiber requirements, but for many Americans it is beneficial to supplement with a product such as Metamucil. The primary ingredient in Metamucil is psyllium husk, which is a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber is important to the body in so many ways other than the obvious digestive health benefits that many people think of. Below are 10 benefits of taking a fiber supplement.
Helps lower blood cholesterol levels
Fiber supplements, especially those with soluble fiber, can reduce your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. Soluble fiber can also reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Helps prevent heart disease
Fiber supplements have been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Part of this is because they can help lower blood cholesterol levels as mentioned above, and fiber has also been linked with reducing metabolic syndrome.
Prevents occasional constipation
Fiber supplements increase the bulk of stool, which will decrease your risk of constipation. Having more bulk and weight to your stool keeps your system moving.
Slows down digestion
Fiber supplements tend to make a person feel fuller and food harder to digest, so it moves through the system slower. This makes a person feel fuller longer and is a much healthier way of eating.
Fights obesity
Fiber supplements can work alongside fiber-rich foods. Foods that are high in fiber generally require more chewing, which results in slower eating, which in turn gives your body time to register a “full” signal. These foods also tend to have fewer calories for the same volume of food.
May help reduce the risk of colon cancer
Fiber supplements’ ability to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer has mixed evidence. It is true, however, that a healthier digestive system can lower the risk for colon cancer. Getting the recommended amount of fiber in your daily diet will keep your digestive tract healthy.
Type 2 diabetes
Fiber supplements, especially those with soluble fiber, can slow down the absorption of sugar in the body. For people with diabetes, this can help improve blood sugar levels. To reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, eat a diet high in both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Hemorrhoids
Fiber supplements can also decrease your risk of hemorrhoids in much the same way that fiber decreases the risk of constipation. Hard stools are difficult to pass and increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
Varicose veins
Fiber supplements can help prevent straining of your stool, which can build up pressure in the body and aggravate varicose veins.
Diverticulitis
Fiber supplements may lower the risk of developing small pouches in your colon, which can result in diverticulitis.
These reasons that explain the benefits of taking a fiber supplement should be enough for anyone to begin monitoring their fiber intake, and increasing it if necessary. To assist in meeting daily fiber requirements, Metamucil has a variety of drink mixes, capsules and wafers.
Sources:
Magee, Elaine. “Why You Need More Fiber”. WebMD. < http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/why-you-need-more-fiber> 15 August 2010.
“Cholesterol: Top 5 foods to lower your numbers”. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL00002> 15 August 2010.
“Dietary Fiber: Essential for a healthy diet. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fiber/NU00033> 15 August 2010.
“Varicose Veins”. < http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/varicose.htm> 15 August 2010.
