The High Fiber Diet

Dietary fiber is the part of a plant that cannot be digested by the body. Just as there are many types of plants, there are also many types of fiber. Some fibers, such as bran, are soluble in water and form a gelatinous bulk that can lower cholesterol. Other fibers, such as wheat bran, are insoluble and add bulk to the stool. Both are important and provide benefits.

The Function of the Large Intestine

The principal function of the large intestine (colon) is to remove excess water from food wastes passing into it from the small intestine. When food passes through the large intestine too quickly, not enough water is absorbed by the intestine, and diarrhea results. In contrast, if waste material is passed too slowly, too much water is absorbed. This results in hard stools and constipation, often leading to straining.

The Importance of Dietary Fiber

Fiber, also called roughage or bulk, is necessary to promote the wavelike contractions that move food through the intestine. High fiber foods expand the inside walls of the colon, easing the passage of waste. As fiber passes through the intestine undigested, it absorbs large amounts of water, resulting in softer and bulkier stools.

Rural Africans digest and eliminate the foods they eat in one-third the time it takes people who live in Western cultures. The rural African diet is rich in fiber. This speeds up the time required to digest food and expel wastes. It is believed that this helps sweep out harmful substances before they can cause problems in the body. In fact, these rural peoples suffer less from many of the digestive tract diseases that plague Western man, and it is thought that this may be related to the nature of their diet.

A high-fiber diet causes a large, soft, bulky stool that passes through the bowel more easily and quickly. This helps to prevent, stop or even reverse some digestive tract disorders. A softer, larger stool helps prevent constipation and straining, which can help avoid or relieve hemorrhoids. More bulk means less pressure in the colon, and this is important in treating irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.

Most Americans eat only 10 to 15 grams of fiber a day. The recommended intake is 20 to 35 grams a day. High fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, also tend to be low in calories, so they should not cause weight gain. Fiber pills generally should be avoided. They contain relatively little fiber and are expensive. Fiber containing food and powdered fiber supplements are better sources.

Fiber and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, sometimes called IBS, is one of the most common disorders of the lower digestive tract. There is no disease present in IBS. However, its symptoms can resemble other disorders. The symptoms of IBS are constipation, diarrhea (or both alternately), abdominal pain, cramping and spasms. Acute episodes can be triggered by emotional tension and anxiety, poor dietary habits and certain medications. Increased amounts of fiber in the diet can help relieve symptoms of IBS by producing soft, bulky stools and by helping to normalize the time the stool takes to pass through the colon. The increased bulk also reduces the pressure necessary to push food waste through the colon. This results in less discomfort. If IBS is not treated it may lead to diverticulosis of the colon.

Fiber and Diverticulosis

Colon diverticulosis occurs when pockets or sacks bulge out from the bowel wall. It is known that these diverticula occur gradually over time and are due to excessive pressure or spasms within the bowel. These pockets usually cause no problem, but sometimes they can become infected (diverticulitis) or even break open, causing abscess or peritonitis. A high-fiber diet may act to increase the bulk in the stool, which reduces the pressure within the colon. By doing so, diverticula formation may be reduced or even stopped.

Fiber and Cholesterol

As noted above, fiber generally is divided into two categories. Insoluble fiber is found in wheat bran and in celluloses from vegetables and fruits. Soluble fiber is commonly found in oatmeal, oat bran (the best source), guar gum, psyllium seed, fruit pectin and gum Arabic. When mixed with water, it produces a gelatinous mucous gel. It, too, has bowel-regulating effects. It also acts to lower blood cholesterol by binding with cholesterol in the intestine and carrying it away in the stool. So, a high fiber diet should contain both types of fiber.

Fiber and Cancer

Recent evidence seems to indicate that fiber, by itself, even up to 25 grams a day, does not reduce the risk of colon or other cancers. However, many high fiber foods are also very rich in chemicals called antioxidants. These substances attack other chemicals known as free radicals. Free radicals occur in the body as a natural byproduct of metabolism. Yet, they can damage surrounding cells and seem to be related to increased risk of heart disease, macular degeneration (eye problems), and some cancers such as prostate cancer. Hundreds of very potent antioxidants occur in many fruits and vegetables that are also high in fiber. Nature seems to have naturally put these two substances together. Five portions of fruit and/or vegetables are recommended each day. Select those that are rich in color such as dark green, yellow, red or orange.

Fiber and Whatever

What else may high fiber help? In many instances the medical evidence is soft or fragmentary. Yet the preponderance of evidence is so overwhelming that high fiber foods can be recommended for just about everyone. Other diseases that are or may be benefited by high fiber foods are:

• Diabetes
• Bowel Irregularity
• Constipation or Diarrhea
• Macular Degeneration
• Hiatal Hernia

High Fiber Foods

High Fiber foods can be found in most food groups. Different types of food should be selected to get the benefits of them all.

• Legumes: including kidney, pinto, navy, lima and baked beans. The bean family excels in fibers, especially the soluble, cholesterol-lowering type;
• Whole Grains: Wheat bran and oat bran are present in a variety of cereals and breads. The label should say that the bread contains whole wheat or whole grain. Plain wheat bread may lack the fiber. One cannot always tell by the color. Some manufacturers artificially color bread brown to make it look more wholesome;
• Whole Fresh Fruits: The valuable pectin fiber is found in the skin and pulp. Figs, prunes and raspberries have the highest fiber content;
• Cooked or Stewed Fruits: Prunes and applesauce are good choices.
• Green Leafy Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, celery and broccoli are good examples;
• Root Vegetables: Potatoes, turnips and carrots are all excellent sources.

Since bran can cause rumbling intestinal gas and even some mild cramping, it should be started in small amounts initially. The amount can be increased as tolerance is acquired. The goal should be 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day, which will usually produce 1 to 2 soft, formed stools a day.

The following are good general rules:

• Drink plenty of liquids, including fruit or vegetable juices and water.
• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to allow the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach and small intestine) to work well. This may prevent problems from developing in the lower digestive tract.
• Eat meals at regular intervals.

A Dietary Fiber Supplement May Be Helpful

Some people have trouble tolerating too many high fiber foods in the diet. Stool softening and bulking agents are available over the counter. These products are usually plant fibers that absorb water and produce the bulk necessary for the digestive tract to perform naturally. Psyllium fiber is found in many commercial products such as Metamucil, Per Diem and Konsyl. The regular product contains a fair amount of sugar, so it may be preferable to use the sugar-free products. Most pharmacies carry a generic brand at significant cost savings. Citrucel (hemicellulose) and Equilactin (polycarboxisal) are other bulking agents that can be used. These fiber supplements, in conjunction with foods, offer an easy way to reach the fiber goal of 20 to 35 grams per day.