Making a Grocery List? Don’t Forget Fiber!

If you’ve been to the supermarket lately, chances are you’ve noticed a trend when it comes to your favorite products. With countless studies telling us that eating more fiber can help with everything from blood sugar control and healthy cholesterol to easing digestive discomfort and even weight loss, it’s easy to see why today’s food manufacturers are adding this beneficial ingredient to so many of their products.

According to the American Heart Association, foods high in soluble fiber have been shown to help lower blood cholesterol when eaten regularly as part of a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. And research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that fiber can help improve blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of glucose during digestion, which may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But even though experts recommend between 25 to 35 grams daily, the average American consumes less than half of that number—which may help to explain fiber’s recent popularity atop grocery store shelves.

Says nutrition expert and Fiber35 Diet creator Brenda Watson, “It’s no surprise to me that we’re starting to see fiber being added to cereals, pasta, breads and other foods. The health benefits of a high-fiber diet are remarkable, and now that our bodies are exposed to even more environmental toxins than ever before, it’s important to educate people about fiber’s role in healthy detoxification. In the colon, fiber works to absorb harmful toxins and help eliminate them by promoting regular, healthy bowel movements.” Watson recommends a healthy balance of both soluble and insoluble fiber to add necessary bulk to the stool and “sweep” the colon free of waste and toxins.

Fiber Supplements: More Fiber Made Easy
Despite its many health benefits, a lot of active families and individuals find it difficult or inconvenient to consume enough fiber through diet alone. For this reason, fiber supplements provide a simple, natural way to make up the difference and help them reach their daily fiber goals. And the good news is that nowadays there are many options available, depending upon individual health and lifestyle needs.

For better digestion and overall health, look for an organic blend of flaxseed, oat bran and acacia fiber. Flax contains high amounts of antioxidant-rich plant compounds called lignans, while oat bran helps lower cholesterol and promote healthy cardiovascular function. Acacia fiber is essential for bowel regularity, enhanced digestion and detoxification, as well as healthy weight management.

For those with sensitive colons, opt for a flax-based fiber formula with added ingredients for digestive tract health. These may include fructooligosaccharide (FOS)—a beneficial prebiotic that provides a food source for healthy gut bacteria—as well as the amino acid L-glutamine to support a healthy intestinal lining. Added probiotics (beneficial gut bacteria) further support overall digestive and immune health by helping to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal florae.

For a quick and easy daily supplement that’s perfect for the entire family, look for a naturally flavored powdered fiber made from fruits and vegetables. Such a formula will mix easily in beverages (such as water and juice) and soft foods (such as yogurt, oatmeal and cereal). That way, both kids and adults enjoy the health-promoting benefits of fiber. If you’re not used to getting a lot of fiber in your daily diet, remember to start slowly to avoid digestive discomfort. And avoid psyllium-based fiber products, which can often cause uncomfortable gas and bloating.