$Unique_ID{BRK01545}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{The Need For Fiber in the Diet}
$Subject{fiber diet}
$Volume{I-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Need For Fiber in the Diet


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I keep reading about fiber as a must in my diet, but even the term
makes it sounds as if it isn't very pleasant to eat.  What is all the noise
about?  Can you please explain the need for the stuff and where I may be going
wrong in my present diet?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  To the best of my knowledge, we began reading about the miracles of
fiber in the diet back in the 1960's when Dr. Denis Burkitt began writing
about the people in rural Africa.  Their diet was much richer in fiber than
those in the Western world, and their incidence of bowel cancer was much less.
The statistics on gallstones, appendicitis, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, some
forms of coronary disease and diabetes were all in favor of the Africans.
This started a lot of investigations, and turned up even more data that
indicates that fiber is a very important part of the healthy diet, and that
Americans just do not get sufficient amounts.  Total dietary fiber is composed
of two types, soluble fiber (which dissolves in water, and an insoluble type
which provides the "bulk" in the diet.  Fiber is only found in fruits and
plants, and not in meat nor milk.  Soluble fiber is found in oranges, pectin,
and various vegetable gums, while insoluble fiber is found in large quantities
in wheat bran, brown rice, bananas, kidney beans, cauliflower and nuts amongst
other foods.  Both types of fiber are found together in apples, soybeans,
whole grain oats, barley, apples and potatoes.  While there are absolute
recommendations for the amount of fiber needed daily, many experts feel that a
total of from 20-35 grams is about right.  That means concentrating on
including vegetables, fruits, and whole grain breads, and cereals in your
daily diet.  Not only will you be reducing your risk for some ailments, such
as heart disease, diverticulosis, certain types of cancer, and obesity but you
may find that your bowel movements are more regular as well.
ÿ
----------------

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.
