Fiber is all about colon health and digestion, two incredibly important but often overlooked elements to good health and wellness. The colon is where digested food collects as waste matter after all the nutrients have been extracted. Fiber plays the important role of house cleaner, helping you maintain a healthy colon free of excess waste that can sit for days. The famous (some say infamous) detox and cleansing programs are designed to help people rid their bodies of this toxic buildup of waste matter. However, if you're getting enough daily fiber, a detox diet is rarely needed.
The National Academy of Sciences recommends 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. For children, add five grams to the child's age, so a 9 year old needs 14 grams. Unless you eat lots and lots of fruits and vegetables, plus plenty of beans and whole grains, it's hard to get that much fiber from food. The refinement process most foods undergo often removes fiber. Just take a quick look at the labels—you'll probably be disappointed at how low the numbers are. Remember, you're shooting for either a 25 or a 38, depending on your gender.
Conclusion: Fiber is one of the most important nutrients for your body, helping it clean out excess waste and toxic buildup in the colon. It also plays a supporting role in blood sugar maintenance and cholesterol health. One caution with fiber supplements: do NOT take them at the same time as other supplements or medications, as fiber can lessen their strength and effectiveness. Take a look at our selection of fiber supplements and choose one that will help your reach your optimum daily intake.
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