Eat More High Fiber Food

Cellulose, the structural material of vegetables and fruit, is a very dense form of carbohydrate, which has the ability to stimulate and enhance the function of the intestinal tract. With all the curves and bends in the intestinal tract, wastes can become lodged, creating pockets in the bowels. These are known as Diverticulitis and are areas where bacteria can flourish.

We need to relearn how to feed our colons as they have become redundant with all the fast foods and refined foods that are part of the Standard American Diet.

Eat More High Fiber Food

Many medical researchers believe that Cancer and other diseases of the colon can be prevented with a diet containing larger amounts of vegetable fiber. Generally, these foods are best served in raw form, although steaming is also a good, viable alternative.

Just don't overcook your foods. Overcooking healthy foods lowers fiber content and essential nutrients. In fact, in order to keep nutrients at their optimum level, don't over clean fruits and vegetables. Keep some of the inside peel on fruits (pulp)and some of the skin on vegetables. This is where most of the vitamins and nutrients are found!

High Fiber food is needed to speed the expulsion process in the colon. If absent from the diet, colon contents stagnate and the disease process begins.

Foods that contain a high proportion of water are also important, as are those with either a neutral pH or an alkaline pH. Our body’s acid-alkaline balance is often 80% acid and 20% alkaline, when it should be 20% acid and 80% alkaline.

Vegetables and fruits are wonderfully alkaline foods so include them in abundance if you have intestinal or digestive problems.

The exception to this is the nightshade family of vegetables. These are white potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. (as well as tobacco.) Nightshade vegetables can make the bowels sluggish.

You don't have to live without nightshade vegetables. Just eat them less often and eat more fibrous fruits and vegetables more often.

If you're like most Americans, you're eating only about half the amount of fiber you should. Studies show that the average person eats between 12 and 14 grams of fiber a day. The FDA recommends an intake of 11.5 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories, or 25 grams per day for a 2,500-calorie diet. While that may sound like a lot, most people can meet this daily requirement by eating several servings of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dried beans a day.

Check labels on the foods you eat too. Foods with 5 or more grams of fiber per serving can be labeled 'high fiber' while foods with 2.5 to 4.9 grams of fiber per serving can be labeled, 'A good source of fiber', according to the FDA's food labeling law.

High Fiber Diets