Yes, You Need More Fibre!

Are you getting enough fibre every day? If you’re like most people, you probably aren’t. Most of us take in 10 to 15 grams of fibre each day half of what we really should be.  The typical diet just isn’t cutting it, with healthy fibres often being processed right out of the foods we eat before we can even eat them. And that can spell trouble for long-term health.

Fibre is that part of your food that’s not digested, so it can do all sorts of good things like help move stool through your colon with a scouring action that keeps carcinogens (and everything else, for that matter) from sitting too long. It’s a good way to keep a smooth-running digestive system, and can help keep your heart healthy by supporting healthy cholesterol levels.

Because fibre slows your body’s breakdown of carbohydrates as well as sugar absorption, it’s a great way to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Fibre is also good for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels aswell.

If you’re going for a little weight loss, fibre-rich foods generally require more chewing time, which gives your body time to register a full signal, making you far less likely to overeat.

There is soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre dissolves, insoluble doesn’t. Soluble fibre creates a gel-like substance that slows down digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol and glucose levels. Insoluble fibre absorbs water and moves things through your digestive tract.

Naturally, the best way to get fibre (both kinds) from your diet is to eat your fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and throw in some whole grains. Berries, nuts, and beans will give you your soluble fibre, while dark-green, leafy veggies, celery, and carrots are great sources of insoluble fibre.

Psyllium Hulls are a convenient way to supplement your fibre intake. They have one of the highest levels of soluble fibre known—much more than that of oat bran. Psyllium increases available water content within the large intestine, thus increasing the bulk of the stool and making its passage easier. This action provides support for piles, digestion and bowel regularity. Psyllium also encourages the growth of healthy colonic flora to keep yeast levels in check. Of course, the mucilage also absorbs other toxins within the large intestine, expelling them from the body.