What You Should Know About Soluble Fiber Supplements
Most people know soluble fiber by its common name, roughage or dietary fiber. It is the part of plant foods that is indigestible and helps to push food through the digestive system. People who don’t get enough fiber in their diets can add soluble fiber supplements to overcome a fiber deficit and keep their body functions working properly.
Soluble fiber is important in maintaining blood sugar levels, slows digestion and the rate of nutrient absorption and helps to maintain bowel regularity. It has also been shown to help in the reduction of cholesterol. Soluble fiber supplements are recommended if a person’s diet does not contain enough fiber.
The American Heart Association has also recommended that soluble fiber or soluble fiber supplements be part of a daily routine. In addition to being a vital component in digestive health, soluble fiber decreases the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Dieter’s should also consider increasing their intake of soluble fiber or even adding soluble fiber supplements. Soluble fiber increases the feeling of being satiated and slows gastric emptying, which in turn leads to a caloric intake reduction.
Finally, foods that contain soluble fiber are typically excellent sources of nutrition and depending on how they are prepared are low in trans fat, saturate fat and cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and legumes are excellent food sources of soluble fiber that also offer the bonus of providing other nutrients.
Soluble Fiber Supplements
With all the health benefits associated with soluble fiber, it is understandable that doctors recommend soluble fiber supplements for anyone who is not getting enough roughage from their diets.
Patients who experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s Disease are also typically advised to add a soluble fiber supplement in addition to increasing their dietary intake of foods containing fiber.
Soluble fiber supplements can be made from any one of several fibers or from a combination of fibers. The most common type of fiber used to make these supplements is psyllum. Psyllum is a natural plant fiber that is effective for relieving IBS and other bowel issues. Other fibers that are used in making fiber supplements include guar gum, methylcellulose, and acacia fiber.
All of the fibers that are used in soluble fiber supplements are water soluble. This means that as they absorb water they are changed into a gel-like substance that helps food move through the digestive system.
Today’s soluble fiber supplements are available in a wide variety of induction methods. There are powders that can be mixed with water or juice; tablets that supply the soluble fiber, or powder forms that are sprinkled on food. Each one offers the benefit of adding soluble fiber to the body’s nutritional makeup.
Soluble fiber should be considered an important part of everyone’s diet. Many people overlook this importance and wonder why they are having IBS or why they aren’t having regular bowel movements. Adding roughage and possible a fiber supplement will solve this problem.