By: Richard Bleuze
The importance of dietary fiber and constipation
Fiber promotes the wavelike contractions that keep food moving through the intestine and reduces constipation. High-fiber foods expand the inside walls of the colon thus easing the passage of waste. Fibrous substances pass through the intestine undigested. They also absorb many times their weight in water, resulting in softer, bulkier stools and less constipation problems.
Studies show that rural Africans, who eat diets high in fiber, have stools that are larger and softer. Because of the greater bulk and speed of foods through the digestive tract, it is also believed that harmful substances are swept out before they can cause problems. In fact, these rural people have fewer of the digestive tract diseases that plague Western man. It is believed 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 easily and quickly. Because of this action, some digestive tract disorders may be avoided, halted, or even reversed simply by following a high-fiber diet. A softer, larger stool helps prevent constipation and straining. This can create more bulk which means less pressure in the colon, which is important in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, fiber appears to be important in treating diabetes, elevated cholesterol, colon polyps, and cancer of the colon.
The Use of Fiber in the Irritable Bowel
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders of the lower digestive tract. There is no disease present with IBS, but it creates bothersome symptoms such as altered bowel habits -- constipation, diarrhea, or both alternately. There may also be bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, and spasm. An attack of IBS can be triggered by emotional tension and anxiety, poor dietary habits, and certain medications. Increased amounts of fiber in the diet can help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome by producing soft, bulky stools. This helps to normalize the time it takes for the stool to pass through the colon. Liquids help to soften the stool.
Fiber and Colon Polyps/Cancer
Most colon cancer starts out as a colon polyp, a benign mushroom-shaped growth. In time it grows, and in some people it becomes cancerous. Colon cancer is usually always curable, if polyps are removed when found or if surgery is performed at an early stage. It is now known that people can inherit the risk of developing colon cancer, but diet may be important, too. There is a very low rate of colon cancer in residents of countries where grains are unprocessed and retain their fiber. The theory is that in the Western world, cancer-containing agents remain in contact with the colon wall for a longer time and in higher concentrations. So, a large bulky stool may act to dilute these carcinogens by moving them through the bowel more quickly. Less carcinogenic exposure to the colon may mean fewer colon polyps and less cancer.
Fiber and Diverticulosis
Prolonged, vigorous contraction of the colon, usually in the left lower side, may result in diverticulosis. This increases pressure causing small and eventually larger ballooning pockets to form. Thes pockets can sometimes become infected (diverticulitis) or even break open (perforate) causing pockets of infection or inflammation of the sac lining the abdomen. A high-fiber diet may increase the bulk in the stool and thereby reduce the pressure within the colon. By so doing, the formation of pockets is reduced or possibly even stopped.
Fiber, Cholesterol and Gas
Insoluble fiber is found in wheat, rye, bran, and other grains.
It is also the fiber found in most vegetables. Insoluble fiber means it does not dissolve in water. It also cannot be used by intestinal-colon bacteria as a food source, so these beneficial bacteria generally do not grow and produce intestinal gas.
Soluble fiber, on the other hand, does dissolve in water forming a gelatinous substance in the bowel. Soluble fiber is found in oatmeal, oat bran, fruit, psyllium, barley, and legumes. Soluble fiber, among its other benefits, seems to bind up cholesterol allowing it to be eliminated with the stool. If enough is removed it can lower the blood cholesterol 10-15%.
The down side of soluble fiber is that it can be metabolized by gas forming bacteria in the colon. These bacteria are harmless but for those who have an intestinal gas or flatus problem it is probably best to avoid or carefully test soluble fibers to see if they are contributing to intestinal gas. Whenever possible, both soluble and insoluble fiber should be eaten on a daily basis.
To improve your diet, add foods that contain more dietary fiber. You can include some or all of the following:
Whole-grain foods (such as bran cereals) and breads (those made with whole wheat grains).
Fresh fruits (including the skin and pulp).
Dried or stewed fruits (such as prunes, raisins, or apricots).
Root vegetables (such as carrots, turnips, or potatoes).
Raw or fresh vegetables, such as cabbage. (Lettuce is low in fiber.)
Eating bran cereal in the morning is often the easiest way to obtain fiber. All-Bran, 100% Bran, Bran Buds, oat bran, oatmeal, and Raisin Bran are some of the high-fiber cereals presently available. Bran can cause rumbling intestinal gas and even some mild cramping, so it should be eaten in small amounts at first. The amount can be increased as the body gets used to it. The goal should be one to two large, soft, formed stools a day.
You should also try to follow these dietary rules:
1. Drink plenty of liquids, including fruit or vegetable juices and water. Drink at least six cups of water or fluid a day.
2. Eat slowly. Chew your food thoroughly. This allows the saliva and digestive juices of the stomach, liver, and pancreas to break down food more easily. It may also help prevent problems from developing in the lower digestive tract.
3. Eat your meals at regular intervals.
