Research has shown time and time again that diets high in natural fiber can prevent the development of a number of critical health problems including heart disease. Find out why natural fiber and dietary fiber supplements can help you live a longer, healthier, and safer life.

Fiber cannot be digested by the human body; however, fiber does play a very important role in human health. All plant-based foods that we eat are full of fiber, with most whole foods containing two essential forms of fiber - soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both types of fiber are needed to maintain a healthy intestinal tract and promote healthy and regular bowel movements.

Soluble fiber bonds with water in the digestive system, whereby lowering the rate of absorption of starches and sugars in the stomach and intestinal tract. The result of this effect is significantly reduced cholesterol levels over time, which may help prevent hear disease, stroke, and a myriad of other internal problems. Eating foods or taking supplements that provide soluble fiber may also help improve glucose tolerance for people suffering from diabetes.

Insoluble fiber acts as a natural laxative that speeds the passage of foods through the intestinal tract. The peels of many fruits are high in insoluble fiber.

While dietary fiber plays an important role in maintaining a healthy body, most Americans consume in their diets only half the amount of daily fiber recommended by health experts.

Health Benefits of Fiber

• Diarrhea - Some types of soluble fiber soak up water in the digestive tract and can be used to relieve mild diarrhea.
  
  
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Many medical professionals believe that soluble fiber helps regulate stool frequency and consistency in people with IBS.
  
  
• Constipation - Studies have shown that fiber can in fact relieve constipation, especially wheat bran and psyllium.
  
  
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Studies of individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis (a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease) found that psyllium seeds were as effective as the prescription drug mesalamine in reducing the recurrence of the disease.
  
  
• Hemorrhoids - Soluble fiber help soften stool and reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids.
  
  
• High Cholesterol - Soluble fiber promotes lower cholesterol levels in the body when included with a low-cholesterol diet. Psyllium is considered to be one of the primary soluble fibers used to lower levels of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol.
  
  
• Diabetes - Studies suggest that diets high in fiber can help to lower insulin and blood sugar levels, improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and help prevent type II diabetes.
  
  
• High Blood Pressure - It has been suggested that taking 12 grams of soluble fiber a day may help lower blood pressure.
  
  
• Heart Disease - Ingesting high levels of fiber (whether through diet or supplementation) may drastically reduce the risk of heart disease.
  
  
• Cancer - While studies are still inconclusive many medical professionas still assert that fiber may help protect against many types of cancer including colon, prostate, breast and uterine cancer.