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Fiber Diet

Can you give me some guidelines on the Fiber Diet. I am looking out for useful tip on Fiber Diets to implement this diet plan.
(March 8, 2011)

Fiber Diet

Imagine dieticians asking you to include in your diet, without fail at every meal, something that cannot be digested in the stomach or the small intestine. Dietary fiber is just that. So why should you eat a high fiber diet? A fiber diet for the body helps to remove waste from the intestines by adding bulk to stools and softening stools. Consuming a high fiber diet can result in amazing benefits to the digestive system, particularly the colon.


That is why a high fiber diet is strongly recommended for those with problems of the digestive tract, including constipation and hemorrhoids. The amount of dietary fiber needed by the body depends on the age and sex of a person, and could vary from 20 to 35 grams per day. Fiber, or roughage in common parlance, is found in the outer layer of food grains and other plant products like fruits, beans, and vegetables. Refining reduces the fiber contained in food grains and so processed foods like white bread or pasta lack dietary fiber.    

A high fiber diet contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber, found in oats, beans, and certain fruits dissolves in water, while insoluble fiber, found in grains like wheat and rye, as the name suggests, does not dissolve in water. Both types of dietary fiber are not absorbed by the body, but they help regulate the process of digestion and protect the body against certain diseases like heart disease, colon cancer, and diverticulosis. Dietary fiber is an important ally in the fight against obesity and diabetes because a fiber diet satiates a person’s hunger easily and for a longer period of time.  

A fiber food list for intestine and digestive tract health includes whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, fruits, and vegetables. A high fiber diet plan also helps to reduce cholesterol levels, as the fermentation of soluble fiber in the large intestine alerts the liver to cut down on cholesterol production. Soluble fiber found in oats is helpful reducing the build up of plaque on the walls of arteries as it mops up the bad cholesterol and eliminates it from the body.  While it is good for the intestine, diets high in fiber may not be suitable for those who are advised to eat a low residue diet for intestine disorders or after intestinal surgery. Low residue, low fiber menus for intestine disorders ensure that the food is easily digested and the frequency and volume of stools is reduced.

Here’s a list of some high fiber foods for your ready reference. Grain products such as buns, bagels, whole grain breads, and muffins have a high fiber content. You could also opt for whole-wheat pastas and whole grains like popcorn, corn, brown rice, and barley. Fruits such as prunes, apricots, raisins, and dates are high in fiber. Berries such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are also recommended. Make sure you include vegetables such as green peas, broccoli, spinach and Swiss chard in your diet. Seeds such as whole flaxseed, soy nuts, and almonds are high in fiber. 
Submitted by A M on March 8, 2011 at 12:51

 

Fiber Diet for Clean Intestine

Dietary fiber is extremely important in promoting contractions in the alimentary tract that helps in the removing of bulk waste from the intestine. A high fiber diet is nothing more than consuming foods that have a larger fibrous composition than other foods. Foods high in fiber are also instrumental in expanding the walls of the colon which helps to ease the passage of bulk waste. Foods that are fibrous in nature often pass through the intestine without being digested. These undigested fibrous foods absorb water and causes smoother passing of bulkier stools.

Fiber is extremely important in the cycle of digestive process. Also termed as roughage or bulk, fiber is known to push the waste out of the body as smoothly as possible. Those who experience pain while passing stools usually are recommended psyllium husk which is a form of natural fiber for the softer and painless passage of stools. Psyllium husk works as a mild laxative and adds bulk to the waste product to be expelled from the body. With the help of fiber, it is also possible that harmful substances are also taken out from the alimentary tract Because of the greater bulk and speed of foods through the digestive tract; it is believed that harmful substances are also taken out of the system along with the bulk waste. Increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables and wholegrain products in your diet, as these foods contain a good proportion of fiber.
Submitted by C N on May 4, 2008 at 10:35

 

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