If I were to tell you that a certain substance could reduce your risk of dying prematurely from any cause, would you be interested in knowing what it was?

How about if I also told you that this substance helps older adults remain free of disease, disability and physical limitations well into their golden years?

Does that sound good to you?

Well, this seemingly magical lifesaving substance is none other than…

Fiber!

Here’s the scoop on fiber’s expanding list of ways that it helps keep you healthy (and alive!), and why you definitely don’t want to be without its magic.

So much more than being regular!

In addition to helping ensure you get regular calls from Nature (and pain-free BMs), fiber’s impressive resume also includes these benefits:

• Reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer
• Helps normalize your cholesterol level
• Reduces the incidence of colon polyps and bowel conditions like diverticulosis/diverticulitis
• Helps control blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes
• Eases IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms
• Encourages healthy skin
• Helps prevent appendicitis, hemorrhoids and varicose veins
• Binds with toxins and heavy metals in your intestines and helps them to be eliminated with your bowel movements
• Supports a healthy gut microbiome and strong immune function
• Promotes an overall feeling of fullness, which supports weight loss

We're grossly lacking

Although the recommended minimum daily fiber intake is 28 grams for women and 35 grams for men, the average person gets a meager 14 or 15 grams a day or less.

So it should be no surprise that we are a nation of blocked up, bloated, sickly people.

The 3 musketeers of fiber

There are 3 main types of fiber--Soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, and digestive-resistant starch.

Soluble fiber is in the "meaty" part of fruits and vegetables as well as in beans, legumes, nuts and psyllium seeds. It's the kind of fiber that is associated with lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and diabetes prevention.

It also dissolves into a gel-like texture and keeps you fuller longer (so it helps with weight loss).

Your body’s digestive enzymes don't actually break down soluble fiber—that’s the job of the friendly bacteria in your gut microbiome.

You get an added benefit here too--when your beneficial gut bacteria break down soluble fiber, they release short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids help keep your colon wall strong (thereby preventing leaky gut) and can also help protect against cancer.

Insoluble fiber is like a broom to your gut. Your body doesn't digest it, but it helps "sweep things along" and keeps your colon healthy. This type of fiber adds bulk to your stool and is typically what is responsible for improved BMs and fewer symptoms of bowel issues like diverticulosis and IBS.

Insoluble fiber is found in the outermost portion of grains, vegetables, fruits and seeds; for example: whole-grain wheat, celery, brown rice, quinoa, apple peels and broccoli.

Digestive-resistant starch is found in cooked potatoes and starchy fruits like bananas and mango. Like insoluble fiber, it also adds bulk to your stool, plus it serves as a prebiotic to nourish your friendly gut inhabitants.

We need more! But get it from the right places.

When people think “fiber,” pictures of Metamucil or General Mills’ Total cereal automatically come to mind.

Not so fast! Because these are not your best sources of fiber!

First of all, each dose of Metamucil contains a paltry 3 grams of fiber (about the same as a banana) which is FAR below the recommended 28-35 grams.

Plus remember it is a laxative which can be habit-forming, make your intestines sluggish and eventually make it difficult to have a bowel movement without it.

The cereal route is no better. 

Breakfast cereals are loaded with refined carbs--which contribute to insulin resistance and obesity, are nutrient-poor and feed harmful microbes in your gut.

In addition, many are made with GMO ingredients and time will tell what that lab experiment will do to our bodies in the long term.

Plus, even the “high-fiber” varieties like Total only contain about 4 grams of fiber—about the same as an apple and still far short of what you need.

The best source of fiber

Get your fiber from real, nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes and whole grains.

Even small fiber-increasing steps in the right direction can be a tremendous help:

• Commit to eating a tossed salad with dinner every day. Even a simple lettuce salad counts!
• Snack on carrot and celery sticks or sliced fresh fruit instead of chips or crackers.
• If you are still hungry after you’ve eaten what’s on your plate, have seconds on vegetables.
• Have oatmeal for breakfast instead of cereal.
• Add a can of cannellini, black or kidney beans to your favorite soups or stews.

But alas…the GAS from fiber!

Many people shy away from fiber because it makes them gas bags.

Well, what’s happening is this: Your friendly gut bacteria is responsible for breaking down fiber, and it is designed to absorb most of the gas that is produced in the process.

But the problem arises when you don't have a strong or healthy enough population of intestinal good guys to do the job! That’s when you find yourself blowing up like a pan of Jiffy Pop popcorn and hoping that everyone thinks the stench is the dog’s fault.

Never fear, because supplementation with a potent, top-notch probiotic like Super Shield PLUS multi-strain probiotic formula can help turn that around for you and make sure your fiber gets broken down like it should…without the gas and bloating!

Super Shield PLUS’s 15 strains and 20 billion CFUs of superstar, well-studied bacteria are up to this important challenge, as well helping to support strong immune health, regular BMs and even maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Take advantage of Nature’s “health insurance policy”—FIBER—and reap the benefits well into your golden years!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

PS: A reminder that our office will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday Thursday 07/04 and Friday 07/05, resuming normal office hours on Monday 07/08. As always, our website is active 24/7 for your ordering and blog reading needs.

Happy Fourth of July to you all, have a safe and wonderful weekend.