Although fiber is essential if you want to maximize health and fitness, many people are getting their fiber the wrong way because of misinformation.
Even worse, if you don’t know what you are doing, you could end up worsening your health.
So, without further ado, here is what you need to know about fiber:
1. It can get stuck in your stomach as a bolus: This usually happens to people who increase their fiber intake too quickly while not drinking enough water. When you do this, the fiber can get stuck in your stomach just like a hair ball can get stuck in a cat.
2. There is more than just one type of fiber: In fact, there are many types of fiber. And you really don’t need to know the ins and outs of each, just make sure you are getting fiber from as many different natural sources as possible.
3. Supplements can do more harm than good: In fact, some studies have shown that supplemental fiber can actually increase colon cancer risk. Although we don’t know why this happens, perhaps the lack of anti oxidants in the supplement causes the mutations that can lead to cancer.
4. Taking too much too soon can be disastrous: Even if you don’t get a bezoar, you will experience extreme discomfort. You need to slowly ramp up your fiber intake if you currently consume a small amount. You see, bacteria in your gut ferment the fiber which produces gas.
5. You need to drink more water: This is especially true if you are introducing larger quantities of fiber in your diet. You see, if you don’t drink more water, the fiber can get stuck in your intestine. And once this happens, the only way to get it out is with surgery.
6. Natural sources will always be best: You see, it’s not just the fiber itself, it’s also the nutrients and vitamins that come with it which give you the highest increase in health. So make sure you get all your fiber needs from wholesome, natural foods.
Increasing fiber intake should be down slowly with adequate intakes of water. And please stay away from supplements unless otherwise indicated by your doctor!
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