It’s All About Fiber!
Fiber is essential to having good health. According to organizations like the Institute of Medicine and the American Dietetic Association, women need about 25 grams of it per day and men need about 38 grams per day. In contrast, the average adult American only gets 15 grams of it per day.
That’s not nearly enough fiber to maintain good health, especially when these estimates are at the low end of what is required for optimal health. And there are some groups of people who get a lot more of it in their diets. For example, a study done on the diets of the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania found that they got about 100 grams of fiber in their daily diets.
Getting enough of it will reduce or even eliminate your risk of many diseases. For starters, it is essential to the health of your colon. Taken with adequate water, fiber prevents constipation and adequate amounts greatly reduce our risk of colon cancer. It also helps maintain a healthy gut flora, which keeps your immune system healthy.
Fiber will help lower your blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, it also binds toxins, reducing inflammation in the body, which reduces your risk of all chronic and degenerative illnesses.
In this issue of Sunshine Sharing, we will introduce the two types of fiber and focus on the value of the second type – soluble fiber. We will also discuss the many benefits of this type of fiber and introduce you to mucilaginous herbs. If you are interested in any of the herbs mentioned in this article, you can shop here.
Benefits of Mucilaginous Herbs
- Weight Loss
- Managing Cholesterol
- Detoxification
- Soothing Intestinal Inflammation
- Immunity
- Bowel Health
- Hemorrhoids
Mucilaginous herbs are sources of water-soluble fiber and include psyllium hulls, slipper elm, marshmallow root, various seaweeds, and aloe vera.
Protect your overall health by eating a healthy diet, drinking water, exercising, getting enough sleep and managing your stress. You may also want to consider adding some of the SOQI Wellness Products to your routine or join one of our Healthy Habits Programs.