$Unique_ID{BRK01180}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Results of a Fiber Overdose}
$Subject{fiber diarrhea bran digestion}
$Volume{I-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Results of a Fiber Overdose


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QUESTION:  I enjoy reading your column and wonder if you will now answer a
question for me?  Last week I had a bran cereal breakfast, and the for lunch
ate a meal including broccoli, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy.  When
returning to my apartment, I just about had to run to get to the bathroom.
Was it the bran, or the coffee or what?  Something really worked on my bowels.

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ANSWER:  A bran cereal can be a rich source of dietary fiber, but so are
broccoli and potatoes.  It sounds like you have experienced the results of a
"fiber overdose" which can occur when you consume a great deal of fiber all at
once, more than your digestive tract is used to handling.  There is no
question that dietary fiber can be an excellent part of a healthy diet,
providing the roughage your system needs to function properly.  It is found in
plant foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and in the past was
known to be helpful in "cleaning you out".  After food is digested in the
upper gastrointestinal tract, much of the fiber arrives in the colon
relatively unchanged.  There the fiber can absorb water, which increases the
weight of the stool, as well as expanding its bulk.  This increase in volume
creates a pressure within the colon and boosts the muscular action of the
colon wall, that propels the material out of the system.  High fiber stools
are usually softer and more pliable than those with little fiber, and are
easily propelled by the colon.  The rest, as in your case, is history.
However, you can overcome this difficulty by adding fiber rich foods to your
diet in small amounts.  Gradually your digestive system becomes adapted to the
content and size of your stool, and can handle it quite easily.  The benefits
of fiber rich diet are many, including reduction in blood cholesterol and
possible preventing colon cancer, so this diet deserves another chance.  Until
you do adapt, however, you had best take your meals a bit closer to home.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
