About 80 percent of people suffer from constipation at some time during their lives, and brief periods of constipation are normal. The assumption that everyone should have a bowel movement at least once each day has led to overuse and abuse of laxatives, some experts say.
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons says the vast majority of patients with constipation can be successfully treated by adding high fiber foods like bran, shredded wheat, whole grain breads and certain fruits and vegetables to the diet, along with increased fluids.
Fiber supplements containing indigestible vegetable fiber, such as bran, are often recommended and may provide many benefits in addition to relief of constipation. They may help to lower blood cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of developing colon polyps and cancer, and help prevent hemorrhoids.
Designating a specific time each day to have a bowel movement may be helpful to some patients. In some cases, bio-feedback may help to retrain poorly functioning anal sphincter muscles. Only in rare circumstances are surgical procedures necessary to treat constipation, the society says.
Copyright © 2005 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved.
High-Fiber-Health
Monday, October 31, 2005
High Fiber Diet May Halt Heartburn
If you've resolved to eat right this year, what you choose may literally come to this: Do you follow your gut or your head?
A new study shows if you have frequent and persistent heartburn you're probably better off sticking to a high-fiber, low-fat diet.
High-fiber diets have long been heralded for their preventive role in colon cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, but researchers say this is the first time they been shown protect against gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD, or heartburn, leads to symptoms of acid indigestion, which affects about one in five Americans. Most people have GERD when the esophagus comes in contact with stomach acids. Left untreated, GERD can lead to ulcers and bleeding of the esophagus. It can also increase the risk of cancer of the esophagus.
The study involved 371 employees of the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The volunteers were questioned about the onset, frequency, and severity of their GERD symptoms, as well as the dietary components of their food and portion sizes over the last year.
The high rates of GERD and the rapid increases in the condition have led the researchers to look for risk factors for GERD that can be modified. One risk may be diet; previous studies have indicated fatty food, larger food portions, and eating before bedtime can trigger GERD.
In the study, all the participants were offered direct visualization of the esophagus by endoscope, looking for signs of acid backwash -- erosions and inflammation. Erosion of the esophagus was detected in 40 (24%) of the 164 people who opted for the examination.
Researcher Hashem B. El-Serag, MD, MPH, and colleagues compared the diets of those with and without GERD symptoms or erosion of the esophagus.
They found that the daily intakes of total fat (including saturated fat) and cholesterol were significantly higher in people with GERD symptoms. The higher the number of calories consumed and fat servings, the more likely a person was to have GERD symptoms.
The researchers note that the increased GERD risk could be due to the fact these participants were more likely to be overweight or obese than those who followed lower-fat diets. Obesity can trigger or aggravate GERD symptoms.
However, volunteers who followed a regular, high-fiber meal plan were 20% less likely to have GERD symptoms, regardless of body weight. Foods rich in fiber include whole-grain breads, fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes.
When the participants underwent endoscopy, erosion of the esophagus was seen more frequently in those that had significantly greater daily intakes of total fat and protein.
Researchers say no other food or nutrient involved in the study played a protective role against GERD symptoms.
By Kelli Miller
WebMD news
www.webmd.com/content/article/99/105085.htm
High-Fiber-Health
A new study shows if you have frequent and persistent heartburn you're probably better off sticking to a high-fiber, low-fat diet.
High-fiber diets have long been heralded for their preventive role in colon cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, but researchers say this is the first time they been shown protect against gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD, or heartburn, leads to symptoms of acid indigestion, which affects about one in five Americans. Most people have GERD when the esophagus comes in contact with stomach acids. Left untreated, GERD can lead to ulcers and bleeding of the esophagus. It can also increase the risk of cancer of the esophagus.
The study involved 371 employees of the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The volunteers were questioned about the onset, frequency, and severity of their GERD symptoms, as well as the dietary components of their food and portion sizes over the last year.
The high rates of GERD and the rapid increases in the condition have led the researchers to look for risk factors for GERD that can be modified. One risk may be diet; previous studies have indicated fatty food, larger food portions, and eating before bedtime can trigger GERD.
In the study, all the participants were offered direct visualization of the esophagus by endoscope, looking for signs of acid backwash -- erosions and inflammation. Erosion of the esophagus was detected in 40 (24%) of the 164 people who opted for the examination.
Researcher Hashem B. El-Serag, MD, MPH, and colleagues compared the diets of those with and without GERD symptoms or erosion of the esophagus.
They found that the daily intakes of total fat (including saturated fat) and cholesterol were significantly higher in people with GERD symptoms. The higher the number of calories consumed and fat servings, the more likely a person was to have GERD symptoms.
The researchers note that the increased GERD risk could be due to the fact these participants were more likely to be overweight or obese than those who followed lower-fat diets. Obesity can trigger or aggravate GERD symptoms.
However, volunteers who followed a regular, high-fiber meal plan were 20% less likely to have GERD symptoms, regardless of body weight. Foods rich in fiber include whole-grain breads, fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes.
When the participants underwent endoscopy, erosion of the esophagus was seen more frequently in those that had significantly greater daily intakes of total fat and protein.
Researchers say no other food or nutrient involved in the study played a protective role against GERD symptoms.
By Kelli Miller
WebMD news
www.webmd.com/content/article/99/105085.htm
High-Fiber-Health
Sunday, October 30, 2005
The Story of Louis
A dear friend of mine at the ripe old age of 52 was worried about chronic symptoms related to his daily bowel and digestive patterns. For the past few years, he suffered from constipation, irritable bowel and excessive bloating and gas. His family's history of colon cancer and diverticulitis prompted him to put aside his fears and plunge into . . . forgive me . . . the bowels of his concerns.
His fears may have saved his life. The gastroenterogolist removed several precancerous polyps during the colonoscopy. There was one polyp that was surgically removed in the hospital. The experience left him a bit lighter, and he vowed to educate himself about his digestive system.
His tutor was the world wide web where he sought to identify the answers to his health issues. He discovered that a high fiber diet proved to be the most effective and the most tasty in reducing his risk of colon disease.
Is that the earthy aroma of whole bran muffins baking in the oven?
My friend encouraged me to make the appointment with his GI specialist. It was long overdue. I finally admitted that I had been feeling some unwelcomed stirrings in my gut. My father has diverticulitis and my mother had colon cancer at the age of 68. I was determined not to let hereditary influences control my future health. Laparoscope up!
The results of my colonoscopy proved to be less than satisfactory. Although I did not have to face surgery, two polyps were removed and a diagnosis of diverticulosis was confirmed. The specialist told me that if I had postponed the colonoscopy much longer, I would have needed surgery.
I thought about other baby boomers who might be at the same crossroads; many unaware of their ability to improve their health simply by increasing their daily intake of high fiber foods.
High-Fiber-Health is yours to explore.
Friday, October 28, 2005
High Fiber Food Chart - Top Foods High in Dietary Fiber
A high fiber food chart helps you know the foods high in dietary fiber. Adding more foods high in dietary fiber from the high fiber food chart can help you obtain the recommended 25-30 grams of fiber each day. Sufficient daily fiber intake is important, not just because of helping the bowels function, but to provide nutrients to friendly bacteria in the digestive tracts.
Low-fiber diets have been connected to numerous diseases and conditions -- colon cancer, constipation, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, heart disease, high blood pressure, hemorrhoids and varicose veins are examples. Correcting low fiber intake for your diet can help you achieve regular bowel movements necessary for optimum health.
Here are top foods high in dietary fiber along with the approximate number of grams of fiber they contain. Fiber contents shown below on the high fiber food chart are for a food quantity of 1/2 cup unless otherwise noted:
• Bananas, 3 grams - medium 8" long
• Beans, 6-10 grams - baked beans, black beans, great northern beans, kidney beans, garbanzos, pinto beans, white beans
• Berries, 4-5 grams - blackberries, raspberries
• Bran Cereals, 5-10 grams - All-Bran, Bran Buds, 100% Bran, Raisin Bran
• Bread, 4-7 grams - 2 slices whole wheat, pumpernickel, seven-grain
• Broccoli, 4-5 grams
• Brussels Sprouts, 2 grams
• Carrots, 3-4 grams
• Dried Figs, 10 grams - 3 figs
• Fruit, 4 grams - medium apple, medium pear
• Green Beans, 2 grams - broad beans, pole beans, snap beans
• Greens, 4-6 grams - beet greens, collards, kale, spinach, turnip greens
• Lentils, 6 grams
• Lima Beans - 4-6 grams
• Peas, 7-9 grams - black-eyed peas, green peas
• Potatoes, 4-5 grams - medium baked Idaho or sweet potato
• Sweet Corn, 5 grams
When making changes to your diet to include more foods from the high fiber food chart, just add a few grams at a time so your intestinal tract can adjust. And important for bowel health is that adequate liquid be present for good bowel function. Each fiber particle absorbs liquid in the colon which helps facilitate regular movement along in the bowels, so make sure that you are consuming adequate liquids daily.
If you find that after a few weeks of consuming more foods from the high fiber food chart you are still not having a daily bowel movement, consider adding a fiber supplement. One of the best natural foods high in dietary fiber is psyllium made from ground-up psyllium seeds. It may take several weeks to achieve daily bowel movements, but the reward will be that wastes and toxins will be eliminated from your system instead of your body reabsorbing them.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
High-Fiber-Health
Low-fiber diets have been connected to numerous diseases and conditions -- colon cancer, constipation, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, heart disease, high blood pressure, hemorrhoids and varicose veins are examples. Correcting low fiber intake for your diet can help you achieve regular bowel movements necessary for optimum health.
Here are top foods high in dietary fiber along with the approximate number of grams of fiber they contain. Fiber contents shown below on the high fiber food chart are for a food quantity of 1/2 cup unless otherwise noted:
• Bananas, 3 grams - medium 8" long
• Beans, 6-10 grams - baked beans, black beans, great northern beans, kidney beans, garbanzos, pinto beans, white beans
• Berries, 4-5 grams - blackberries, raspberries
• Bran Cereals, 5-10 grams - All-Bran, Bran Buds, 100% Bran, Raisin Bran
• Bread, 4-7 grams - 2 slices whole wheat, pumpernickel, seven-grain
• Broccoli, 4-5 grams
• Brussels Sprouts, 2 grams
• Carrots, 3-4 grams
• Dried Figs, 10 grams - 3 figs
• Fruit, 4 grams - medium apple, medium pear
• Green Beans, 2 grams - broad beans, pole beans, snap beans
• Greens, 4-6 grams - beet greens, collards, kale, spinach, turnip greens
• Lentils, 6 grams
• Lima Beans - 4-6 grams
• Peas, 7-9 grams - black-eyed peas, green peas
• Potatoes, 4-5 grams - medium baked Idaho or sweet potato
• Sweet Corn, 5 grams
When making changes to your diet to include more foods from the high fiber food chart, just add a few grams at a time so your intestinal tract can adjust. And important for bowel health is that adequate liquid be present for good bowel function. Each fiber particle absorbs liquid in the colon which helps facilitate regular movement along in the bowels, so make sure that you are consuming adequate liquids daily.
If you find that after a few weeks of consuming more foods from the high fiber food chart you are still not having a daily bowel movement, consider adding a fiber supplement. One of the best natural foods high in dietary fiber is psyllium made from ground-up psyllium seeds. It may take several weeks to achieve daily bowel movements, but the reward will be that wastes and toxins will be eliminated from your system instead of your body reabsorbing them.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
High-Fiber-Health
Use Psyllium For Colon Cleansing & Constipation
Psyllium is a natural product that is used for colon cleansing, as a cure for constipation and in many detoxification programs. Psyllium is often the active ingredient in many constipation cures.
Psyllium comes from the Plantago Psyllium plant, and its seeds and husks are harvested to create natural remedies for constipation and colon cleansing.
Psyllium can be taken in tablet form – it is often the active ingredient in many laxatives and constipation remedies. However, the most inexpensive and effective methods of colon cleansing include the ingestion of psyllium in its most natural form – psyllium husks, psyllium seeds and psyllium fiber powder.
Psyllium can be mixed with a pleasant-tasting drink, for example, fruit juice or in a shake to make it easier to ingest.
To help the psyllium to flush out impacted waste from your system and cleanse your colon and relieve constipation, you will need to follow these guidelines:
# Drink plenty of fluids with your psyllium – the additional water intake will assist colon cleansing and symptoms of constipation.
# Increase your level of exercise to activate the psyllium fiber and assist in eliminating constipation and speed up detoxification and colon cleansing.
# Increase the fiber in your diet and include whole grains, fruits and vegetables to help the psyllium activate colon cleansing and constipation relief.
While psyllium is a natural and powerful aid to colon cleansing, detoxification and constipation, like all natural remedies, must be taken with caution. When using psyllium to cleanse the colon, you need to consider the following:
# Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to psyllium or any other drugs.
# Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription supplements, drugs and medications you are taking, including vitamins. Psyllium can decrease the effectiveness of other medications and the colon cleansing effect may remove them from your system before they take effect.
# Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have any of these health conditions: diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, rectal bleeding, intestinal blockage, or difficulty swallowing.
# Do not take psyllium if pregnant or breast feeding.
# Inform your pharmacist or doctor if you have special dietary requirements that may be affected by psyllium or colon cleansing.
# Do not take psyllium within 3 hours of taking any other medication, as its high fiber content may block the absorption of medications.
# Do not breathe in psyllium powder.
Remember that psyllium is a powerful medication for constipation and should be respected as such. When using psyllium for colon cleansing and detoxification, you need to be aware that its high fiber content can cause temporary bloating as it moves through the digestive tract. Another side effect of the high fiber content in psyllium is flatulence.
To avoid these unfortunate side effects, it’s best to take psyllium gradually until your body is used to psyllium. A good dosage to start with is one tablet or one teaspoon of psyllium on the first day, and increasing the amount of psyllium taken each day by half a teaspoon until you achieve the desired colon cleansing or constipation relief.
Psyllium has been used for centuries as a remedy for constipation, and for colon cleansing, but its other health benefits are starting to become more widespread.
In addition to colon cleansing and constipation relief, psyllium is now being used to lower cholesterol, improve hypertension, and treating diarrhea.
For more information on colon cleansing visit http://www.naturalcolon.com Sara Dakkar is webmaster of http://www.psylliumhealth.com which reviews psyllium husks and fiber powder products for the use of colon cleansing, constipation cures and bowel detox.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
High-Fiber-Health
Psyllium comes from the Plantago Psyllium plant, and its seeds and husks are harvested to create natural remedies for constipation and colon cleansing.
Psyllium can be taken in tablet form – it is often the active ingredient in many laxatives and constipation remedies. However, the most inexpensive and effective methods of colon cleansing include the ingestion of psyllium in its most natural form – psyllium husks, psyllium seeds and psyllium fiber powder.
Psyllium can be mixed with a pleasant-tasting drink, for example, fruit juice or in a shake to make it easier to ingest.
To help the psyllium to flush out impacted waste from your system and cleanse your colon and relieve constipation, you will need to follow these guidelines:
# Drink plenty of fluids with your psyllium – the additional water intake will assist colon cleansing and symptoms of constipation.
# Increase your level of exercise to activate the psyllium fiber and assist in eliminating constipation and speed up detoxification and colon cleansing.
# Increase the fiber in your diet and include whole grains, fruits and vegetables to help the psyllium activate colon cleansing and constipation relief.
While psyllium is a natural and powerful aid to colon cleansing, detoxification and constipation, like all natural remedies, must be taken with caution. When using psyllium to cleanse the colon, you need to consider the following:
# Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to psyllium or any other drugs.
# Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription supplements, drugs and medications you are taking, including vitamins. Psyllium can decrease the effectiveness of other medications and the colon cleansing effect may remove them from your system before they take effect.
# Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have any of these health conditions: diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, rectal bleeding, intestinal blockage, or difficulty swallowing.
# Do not take psyllium if pregnant or breast feeding.
# Inform your pharmacist or doctor if you have special dietary requirements that may be affected by psyllium or colon cleansing.
# Do not take psyllium within 3 hours of taking any other medication, as its high fiber content may block the absorption of medications.
# Do not breathe in psyllium powder.
Remember that psyllium is a powerful medication for constipation and should be respected as such. When using psyllium for colon cleansing and detoxification, you need to be aware that its high fiber content can cause temporary bloating as it moves through the digestive tract. Another side effect of the high fiber content in psyllium is flatulence.
To avoid these unfortunate side effects, it’s best to take psyllium gradually until your body is used to psyllium. A good dosage to start with is one tablet or one teaspoon of psyllium on the first day, and increasing the amount of psyllium taken each day by half a teaspoon until you achieve the desired colon cleansing or constipation relief.
Psyllium has been used for centuries as a remedy for constipation, and for colon cleansing, but its other health benefits are starting to become more widespread.
In addition to colon cleansing and constipation relief, psyllium is now being used to lower cholesterol, improve hypertension, and treating diarrhea.
For more information on colon cleansing visit http://www.naturalcolon.com Sara Dakkar is webmaster of http://www.psylliumhealth.com which reviews psyllium husks and fiber powder products for the use of colon cleansing, constipation cures and bowel detox.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
High-Fiber-Health
Thursday, October 27, 2005
List of High Fiber Foods and Fiber Content
By Olinda Rola
A list of high fiber foods helps you know which foods to include in daily meal planning. Obtaining adequate fiber is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. However, too many people do not obtain sufficient fiber each day, which results in poor bowel function and constipation. Whether obtained from the list of high fiber foods or from fiber supplements, the recommended daily fiber consumption should be about 25-30 grams for an adult. The typical adult in the USA averages about 11 grams of fiber per day according to the American Dietetic Association.
The walls of plant cells are the sources of dietary fiber. Here are typical high fiber foods along with the approximate number of grams of fiber they contain. Fiber contents shown below on the list of high fiber foods are for a food quantity of 1/2 cup unless otherwise noted:
• Bananas, 3 grams - medium 8" long
• Beans, 6-10 grams - baked beans, black beans, great northern beans, kidney beans, garbanzos, pinto beans, white beans
• Berries, 4-5 grams - blackberries, raspberries
• Bran Cereals, 5-10 grams - All-Bran, Bran Buds, 100% Bran, Raisin Bran
• Bread, 4-7 grams - 2 slices whole wheat, pumpernickel, seven-grain
• Broccoli, 4-5 grams
• Brussels Sprouts, 2 grams
• Carrots, 3-4 grams
• Dried Figs, 10 grams - 3 figs
• Fruit, 4 grams - medium apple, medium pear
• Green Beans, 2 grams - broad beans, pole beans, snap beans
• Greens, 4-6 grams - beet greens, collards, kale, spinach, turnip greens
• Lentils, 6 grams
• Lima Beans - 4-6 grams
• Peas, 7-9 grams - black-eyed peas, green peas
• Potatoes, 4-5 grams - medium baked Idaho or sweet potato
• Sweet Corn, 5 grams
Using the list of high fiber foods and including more of the foods from the list can help increase daily fiber consumption so important for normal bowel function. Also important is that adequate liquid be present for good bowel function. Each fiber particle will actually absorb liquid in the colon and help facilitate the desired regular movement along in the bowels.
If you make changes to your diet to include more of the foods from the list of high fiber foods and still are not having a daily bowel movement, you may wish to add a fiber supplement. The best fiber supplements are rice bran or psyllium made from ground-up psyllium seeds. Don't expect to notice better bowel movements overnight as it may take several weeks for your body and elimination system to improve. The payoff will be that wastes are eliminated along with the toxins from your system instead of your body reabsorbing them.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
Read more about constipation and fiber supplements easily available online. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com a website of natural health information and articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
A list of high fiber foods helps you know which foods to include in daily meal planning. Obtaining adequate fiber is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. However, too many people do not obtain sufficient fiber each day, which results in poor bowel function and constipation. Whether obtained from the list of high fiber foods or from fiber supplements, the recommended daily fiber consumption should be about 25-30 grams for an adult. The typical adult in the USA averages about 11 grams of fiber per day according to the American Dietetic Association.
The walls of plant cells are the sources of dietary fiber. Here are typical high fiber foods along with the approximate number of grams of fiber they contain. Fiber contents shown below on the list of high fiber foods are for a food quantity of 1/2 cup unless otherwise noted:
• Bananas, 3 grams - medium 8" long
• Beans, 6-10 grams - baked beans, black beans, great northern beans, kidney beans, garbanzos, pinto beans, white beans
• Berries, 4-5 grams - blackberries, raspberries
• Bran Cereals, 5-10 grams - All-Bran, Bran Buds, 100% Bran, Raisin Bran
• Bread, 4-7 grams - 2 slices whole wheat, pumpernickel, seven-grain
• Broccoli, 4-5 grams
• Brussels Sprouts, 2 grams
• Carrots, 3-4 grams
• Dried Figs, 10 grams - 3 figs
• Fruit, 4 grams - medium apple, medium pear
• Green Beans, 2 grams - broad beans, pole beans, snap beans
• Greens, 4-6 grams - beet greens, collards, kale, spinach, turnip greens
• Lentils, 6 grams
• Lima Beans - 4-6 grams
• Peas, 7-9 grams - black-eyed peas, green peas
• Potatoes, 4-5 grams - medium baked Idaho or sweet potato
• Sweet Corn, 5 grams
Using the list of high fiber foods and including more of the foods from the list can help increase daily fiber consumption so important for normal bowel function. Also important is that adequate liquid be present for good bowel function. Each fiber particle will actually absorb liquid in the colon and help facilitate the desired regular movement along in the bowels.
If you make changes to your diet to include more of the foods from the list of high fiber foods and still are not having a daily bowel movement, you may wish to add a fiber supplement. The best fiber supplements are rice bran or psyllium made from ground-up psyllium seeds. Don't expect to notice better bowel movements overnight as it may take several weeks for your body and elimination system to improve. The payoff will be that wastes are eliminated along with the toxins from your system instead of your body reabsorbing them.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
Read more about constipation and fiber supplements easily available online. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com a website of natural health information and articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
Blogging In Fiberland
A diet rich in high fiber foods is essential for your ultimate health. Dietary fiber is important for preventing or treating diverticulitis, diverticulosis, colon problems such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and crohn's disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and is especially important for a healthy weight loss program.
Studies have shown the benefits of a high fiber foods include prevention and treatment of constipation and hemorrhoids. Certain types of fiber can even decrease blood cholesterol levels.
A dear friend of mine at the ripe old age of 52 was worried about chronic symptoms related to his daily bowel and digestive patterns. For the past few years, he suffered from constipation, irritable bowel and excessive bloating and gas. His family's history of colon cancer and diverticulitis prompted him to put aside his fears and plunge into . . . forgive me . . . the bowels of his concerns.
His fears may have saved his life. The gastroenterogolist removed several precancerous polyps during the colonoscopy. There was one polyp that was surgically removed in the hospital. The experience left him a bit lighter, and he vowed to educate himself about his digestive system.
His tutor was the world wide web where he sought to identify the answers to his health issues. He discovered that a high fiber diet proved to be the most effective and the most tasty in reducing his risk of colon disease.
Is that the earthy aroma of whole bran muffins baking in the oven?
My friend encouraged me to make the appointment with his GI specialist. It was long overdue. I finally admitted that I had been feeling some unwelcomed stirrings in my gut. My father has diverticulitis and my mother had colon cancer at the age of 68. I was determined not to let hereditary influences control my future health.
The results of my colonoscopy proved to be less than satisfactory. Although I did not have to face surgery, two polyps were removed and a diagnosis of diverticulosis was confirmed. The specialist told me that if I had postponed the colonoscopy much longer, I would have needed surgery.
I thought about other baby boomers who might be at the same crossroads; many unaware of their ability to improve their health simply by increasing their daily intake of high fiber foods.
High-Fiber-Health is yours to explore.
Studies have shown the benefits of a high fiber foods include prevention and treatment of constipation and hemorrhoids. Certain types of fiber can even decrease blood cholesterol levels.
A dear friend of mine at the ripe old age of 52 was worried about chronic symptoms related to his daily bowel and digestive patterns. For the past few years, he suffered from constipation, irritable bowel and excessive bloating and gas. His family's history of colon cancer and diverticulitis prompted him to put aside his fears and plunge into . . . forgive me . . . the bowels of his concerns.
His fears may have saved his life. The gastroenterogolist removed several precancerous polyps during the colonoscopy. There was one polyp that was surgically removed in the hospital. The experience left him a bit lighter, and he vowed to educate himself about his digestive system.
His tutor was the world wide web where he sought to identify the answers to his health issues. He discovered that a high fiber diet proved to be the most effective and the most tasty in reducing his risk of colon disease.
Is that the earthy aroma of whole bran muffins baking in the oven?
My friend encouraged me to make the appointment with his GI specialist. It was long overdue. I finally admitted that I had been feeling some unwelcomed stirrings in my gut. My father has diverticulitis and my mother had colon cancer at the age of 68. I was determined not to let hereditary influences control my future health.
The results of my colonoscopy proved to be less than satisfactory. Although I did not have to face surgery, two polyps were removed and a diagnosis of diverticulosis was confirmed. The specialist told me that if I had postponed the colonoscopy much longer, I would have needed surgery.
I thought about other baby boomers who might be at the same crossroads; many unaware of their ability to improve their health simply by increasing their daily intake of high fiber foods.
High-Fiber-Health is yours to explore.
Weight Loss Is No Secret
Weight loss is no secret - eat fewer calories and exercise more to burn more calories. Replacing your daily intake of low quality high calorie processed carbohydrates with high fiber natural substitutes will reduce your daily calories and skyrocket your health. high fiber weight loss
The greatest thing about fiber is that it can be eaten - and we all love to eat! A high fiber-rich meal is processed more slowly, which makes us feel satisfied sooner. Guess what? You eat less and lose weight. Match that with your trendy weight loss programs and all of those undesirable restrictions.
Fiber doesn't have any calories, but because of its ability to absorb water, that "full" feeling slows down your food intake. An apple is more filling than apple juice. People with high fiber diets not only lose weight, but are more likely to eat less red meat, drink less alcohol, smoke less and commit to a fitness program. All of these healthy behaviors can reduce the risk of cancer.
Diet is a major factor in 5 of the 10 leading causes of death. According to the U.S. Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, released in 2001, approximately 300,000 adult deaths in the United States each year can be attributed to unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity or sedentary behavior.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, just 33.5 percent of American adults are at a healthy weight.
Between 1960 and 2000, the total number of existing cases of overweight adults increased from 31.5 to 33.6 percent in Americans between the ages of 20 and 74. During this same time period, the prevalence of obesity more than doubled from 13.3 to 30.9 percent, with most of this increase occurring in the past 20 years.
Fads, unbalanced diets, diet pills and supplements, weight loss surgery and other short term weight loss methods are not recommended for permanent weight control.
Your body weight is controlled by the number of calories you eat and the number of calories you use each day. To lose weight you need to take in fewer calories than you use. The best way to lose excess fat and maintain a healthy weight in the long term is to follow a balanced diet and do regular aerobic exercise.
Being overweight has been shown to put you at risk for the following, and more:
* type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar)
* high blood pressure
* heart disease and stroke
* some types of cancer
* sleep apnea (when breathing stops for short periods during sleep)
* osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints)
* gallbladder disease
* irregular periods
* complications of pregnancy such as high blood pressure or increased risk for cesarean section (c-section)
Diets should encourage healthy behaviors that help you lose weight and that you can maintain over time.
Safe and effective weight-loss programs should include:
* Healthy eating plans that reduce calories but do not rule out specific foods or food groups
* Regular physical activity and/or exercise instruction
* Tips on healthy behavior changes that also consider your cultural needs
* Slow and steady weight loss of about ¾ to 2 pounds per week and not more than 3 pounds per week (weight loss may be faster at the start of a program)
* Medical care if you are planning to lose weight by following a special formula diet, such as a very-low-calorie diet
* A plan to keep the weight off after you have lost it
High-Fiber-Health
The greatest thing about fiber is that it can be eaten - and we all love to eat! A high fiber-rich meal is processed more slowly, which makes us feel satisfied sooner. Guess what? You eat less and lose weight. Match that with your trendy weight loss programs and all of those undesirable restrictions.
Fiber doesn't have any calories, but because of its ability to absorb water, that "full" feeling slows down your food intake. An apple is more filling than apple juice. People with high fiber diets not only lose weight, but are more likely to eat less red meat, drink less alcohol, smoke less and commit to a fitness program. All of these healthy behaviors can reduce the risk of cancer.
Diet is a major factor in 5 of the 10 leading causes of death. According to the U.S. Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, released in 2001, approximately 300,000 adult deaths in the United States each year can be attributed to unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity or sedentary behavior.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, just 33.5 percent of American adults are at a healthy weight.
Between 1960 and 2000, the total number of existing cases of overweight adults increased from 31.5 to 33.6 percent in Americans between the ages of 20 and 74. During this same time period, the prevalence of obesity more than doubled from 13.3 to 30.9 percent, with most of this increase occurring in the past 20 years.
Fads, unbalanced diets, diet pills and supplements, weight loss surgery and other short term weight loss methods are not recommended for permanent weight control.
Your body weight is controlled by the number of calories you eat and the number of calories you use each day. To lose weight you need to take in fewer calories than you use. The best way to lose excess fat and maintain a healthy weight in the long term is to follow a balanced diet and do regular aerobic exercise.
Being overweight has been shown to put you at risk for the following, and more:
* type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar)
* high blood pressure
* heart disease and stroke
* some types of cancer
* sleep apnea (when breathing stops for short periods during sleep)
* osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints)
* gallbladder disease
* irregular periods
* complications of pregnancy such as high blood pressure or increased risk for cesarean section (c-section)
Diets should encourage healthy behaviors that help you lose weight and that you can maintain over time.
Safe and effective weight-loss programs should include:
* Healthy eating plans that reduce calories but do not rule out specific foods or food groups
* Regular physical activity and/or exercise instruction
* Tips on healthy behavior changes that also consider your cultural needs
* Slow and steady weight loss of about ¾ to 2 pounds per week and not more than 3 pounds per week (weight loss may be faster at the start of a program)
* Medical care if you are planning to lose weight by following a special formula diet, such as a very-low-calorie diet
* A plan to keep the weight off after you have lost it
High-Fiber-Health
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