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Naturopathic Nutrition: A Guide to Nutrient-rich Food & Nutritional Supplements for Optimum Health Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH See book keywords and concepts

Daily fiber supplements were discontinued, and she was having at least one bowel movement daily. No mucous was visible and she felt great. [Dr Prousky] THE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF COMMON FOODS THE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF COMMON FOODS It is always best to acquire all of the daily allotment of nutrients you need from the nutritional quality of foods eaten. The following list of the vitamin and mineral content of many foods will help you tailor your eating to your specific dietary needs. Use the listing to identify foods that are good sources for the particular vitamin or mineral you are interested in.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Medical treatments Over-the-counter fiber supplements such as methylcel-lulose (Citrucel), polycarbophil calcium (Fibercon), and psyllium (Metamucil) are often recommended. Serious cases may be treated with prescription drugs, including intravenous antibiotics such as cefazolin (Ancef), cefamandole (Mandol), amikacin (Amikin); pain medication in combination with acetaminophen, such as codeine (Tylenol with Codeine), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), oxycodone (Percocet); and intestinal antispasmotics such as L-hyoscyamine (Levsin, Levbid).

Prescription for Dietary Wellness: Using Foods to Heal Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

This is an inexpensive and natural way to give the body what it requires for good colon health and can eliminate the need for costly fiber supplements. If you really do need to take fiber supplements, do not take them at the same time as any other medications. The information that follows will help you to understand the different types of fiber and how you can use them to your best benefit. Pectin Pectin is useful in managing diabetes because it slows the absorption of food after meals. It removes unwanted metals and toxins and helps to lessen side effects of radiation therapy.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Examples of Clinical Studies with Dietary fiber supplements for Weight Loss Number of Length of Dosage Calorie Average Weight Loss Average Weight Loss Fiber Subjects Study (grams per day) Restriction (fiber, pounds) (placebo, pounds) Guar gum 33 2.5 months 15 None 5.5 0.9 Glucomannan 20 2 months 3 None 5.5 Weight gain of 1.5 Glucomannan 20 2 months 3 None 8.14 0.44 Mixture A* 60 3 months 5 Yes 18.7 14.7 Mixture B* 97 3 months 7 Yes 10.8 7.3 Mixture B* 52 6 months 7 Yes 12.1 6.

Five appetite control foods that suppress cravings without adding calories Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts

You can find fiber supplements at any health food store. Be careful to watch the dosage of the fiber and drink plenty of water as you take these pills because without adequate water, they can gum up in your digestive tract and in extreme cases, they can block your digestive tract. So, you want to drink plenty of water with them. By consuming both the fiber and the water before you start eating, you've already significantly turned off your appetite. Then by consuming these extremely low caloric density foods and beverages, you will further suppress your appetite.

Beat Diabetes Naturally: The Best Foods, Herbs, Supplements, and Lifestyle Strategies to Optimize Your Diabetes Care Michael T. Murray See book keywords and concepts

We have two important recommendations for patients to help them choose fiber supplements: þAvoid products that contain a lot of sugar or other sweeteners to camouflage the taste. þBe sure to drink adequate amounts of water when taking any fiber supplement, especially if it is in a dry form (pill, cookie, capsule, or bar). Because water-soluble fibers are fermented by intestinal bacteria, a great deal of gas can be produced, leading to increased flatulence and abdominal discomfort.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

The absorption of minerals can also be affected by the use of fiber supplements. Fiber decreases the body's absorption of minerals. Therefore, supplemental fiber and minerals should be taken at different times. THE ABC'S OF MINERALS Boron Boron is needed in trace amounts for healthy bones and muscle growth because it assists in the production of natural steroid compounds within the body. It is also necessary for the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Boron enhances brain function, promotes alertness, and plays a role in how the body utilizes energy from fats and sugars.

A dietary regimen with fiber supplements and self-help treatments is helpful in most cases, except in instances where a hemorrhoid has thrombosed. • Infrared photocoagulation. This involves the employment of infrared heat to treat minor internal hemorrhoids. It is less painful than ligation but is not always as effective. • Injection sclerotherapy. In this procedure, used to shrink internal hemorrhoids and stop bleeding, a solution containing either quinine and urea or phenol is injected directly into the hemorrhoids. • Laser coagulation.

Avoid fiber supplements in capsule and pill form. COLOR THERAPY (CHROMATHERAPY) Scientists have studied the effects of color on our moods, health, and way of thinking for years. Even an individual's preference for one color over another may be related to the way that color makes the individual feel. Color can be described as light—visible radiant energy—of certain wavelengths. Photoreceptors in the retina, called cones, translate this energy into colors. The retina contains three kinds of cones: one for blue, one for green, and one for red.

Health and Nutrition Secrets Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Under these circumstances, the affected person will become intolerant to soluble fiber supplements, since they will increase the short-chained fatty acids that can increase fermentation. Antibiotic treatment may be required to correct the problem. Long term correction requires a low carbohydrate diet and enzyme supplementation when indicated. Garlic can suppress the overgrown bacteria and yeast. The typical Western diet, high in fats and meats, and low in fiber, promotes the growth of a particular species of bad bacteria called Bacteroides.

Living the Low Carb Life: Controlled Carbohydrate Eating for Long-Term Weight Loss Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

It also suppresses hunger. fiber supplements have also been shown to enhance blood sugar control and insulin effects and even to reduce the number of calories (adding up to about 3 to 18 23 . pounds a year) that the body absorbs. And a study in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine found that a diet with 50 grams of fiber per day lowered insulin levels in the blood. One of the most impressive studies of all followed 2,900 healthy subjects for ten years and looked at the relationship between fiber, cardiovascular disease, weight, and insulin. The results were spectacular.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

When using glucomannan and other dietary fiber supplements, it is best to start out with a small amount and increase gradually. It is recommended to drink at least 8 ounces of water each time any bulk-forming laxative, including glucomannan, is taken. Are there any side effects or interactions? People with any disorder of the esophagus (the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach) should not take any fiber supplement in a pill form, as the supplement may expand in the esophagus and lead to obstruction.

The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Thomas M. Campbell II See book keywords and concepts

Dietary fiber supplements, by the way, although beneficial, did not have same consistent effects as a change to a plant-based, whole foods diet.)21 As you can see by these findings, we can beat diabetes. Two recent studies considered a combination of diet and exercise effects on this disease.22 23 One study placed 3,234 non-diabetic people at risk for diabetes (elevated blood sugar) into three different groups.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

People with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) should consult a doctor before taking fiber supplements or eating high-fiber diets. Although a gradual introduction of fiber in the diet may improve bowel symptoms in some cases, there have been several reports of people with scleroderma developing severe constipation (page 137) and even bowel obstruction requiring hospitalization after fiber supplementation.19 FISH OIL AND COD LIVER What is it? Oil from fish contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA [page 509]); both are omega-3 fatty acids.

Beat Diabetes Naturally: The Best Foods, Herbs, Supplements, and Lifestyle Strategies to Optimize Your Diabetes Care Michael T. Murray See book keywords and concepts

Examples of Clinical Studies with Dietary fiber supplements for Weight Loss FIBER NO. OF SUBJECTS LENCTH OF STUDY DOSAGE (G/DAY) Guar 33 2.5 months 15 Glucomannan 20 2 months 3 Glucomannan 20 2 months 3 Mixture A 60 12 weeks 5 Mixture B 97 3 months 7 Mixture B 52 6 months 7 Mixture A = 80% fiber from grains, 20% fiber from citrus; mixture B = 90% insoluble and 10% soluble fiber from beet, barley, and citrus fibers over the course of a year, result in a 3- to 18-pound weight loss (see Table 9.2).

Dr. McDougall's Digestive Tune-Up John A. McDougall See book keywords and concepts

However, it should be noted that patients with "predominant constipation-type" IBS experience significantly more improvement with fiber supplements than those with "predominant diarrhea." While most experiments in this regard have involved supplements of wheat bran or guar gum, I have seen greater benefits from switching to a plant-based diet, which yields a wide variety of naturally healthful dietary fibers rather than one single fiber source. IBS has also been effectively treated with the introduction of "friendly intestinal bacteria" called probiotics.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Fiber supplements (e.g., pectin, guar gum, oat bran, and psyllium) have been shown to produce beneficial effects as well. In addition, raw cabbage juice is well documerited as having remarkable success in treating PUD. In one study, 1 liter of fresh raw cabbage juice per day, taken in divided amounts, resulted in total PUD healing in an average of only ten days. The beneficial effect is thought to be due to the amino acid glutamine, which is needed by the cells on the surface of the small intestine to regenerate.

Beat Diabetes Naturally: The Best Foods, Herbs, Supplements, and Lifestyle Strategies to Optimize Your Diabetes Care Michael T. Murray See book keywords and concepts

Soluble Fiber In Chapter 9, we stressed the value of using soluble fiber supplements to reduce after-meal blood glucose levels. Supplemental dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, is also very effective in lowering cholesterol levels (see Table 12.1). One review article found a significant reduction in the level of serum total cholesterol in 68 of the 77 studies reviewed (88 percent). The effect of fiber, particularly soluble fiber, is clearly dose-dependent and, like its effect on reducing cholesterol levels, is related to the degree of viscosity. Table 12.1.

As well, supplementing the diet with water-soluble fiber supplements such as those made from PGX?(discussed on pages 154?87) will bring about a profound sense of satiety (fullness) with very little contribution to daily calories. In fact, research at the University of Toronto's Risk Factor Modification Centre has shown that PGX?given at higher doses effectively removes all hunger to the point where very few calories can be eaten in a day with little or no hunger at all.

Examples of Clinical Studies with Dietary fiber supplements for Weight Loss (continued) CALORIE RESTRICTION AVERAGE WEIGHT LOSS OF FIBER GROUP (LBS) AVERAGE WEIGHT LOSS OF PLACEBO GROUP (LBS) No 5.5 0.9 No 5.5 Cain, 1.5 No 8.14 0.44 Yes 18.7 14.7 Yes 10.8 7.3 Yes 12.1 6.1 efit, the dosage required (20 grams or more) is often difficult to achieve. That challenge has recently been overcome by the development of PGX?

Living the Low Carb Life: Controlled Carbohydrate Eating for Long-Term Weight Loss Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

Some of my personal favorite fiber supplements are Cellulose Fiber by Vital Nutrients, Superseed by Garden of Life, or plain ground flaxseed. In addition, fiber has a ton of other wide-ranging positive effects on the body, like helping to prevent certain kinds of cancer and lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. Americans currently get a paltry amount of fiber in their diets, estimated at 10 grams a day. Most health organizations like the American Cancer Society recommend about 30 grams, and our caveman ancestors got much more (maybe around 50 or 60 grams).

I also recommend adding fiber supplements (like psyllium husks or flaxseeds) to your program, but don't take them at the same time as other medications or supplements, because the fiber can inhibit absorption. What Are Sugar Alcohols? Do They Count as Sugar? Sugar alcohols—also called polyols—are sugar-free sweeteners that are carbohydrates but are not sugar. Common ones include maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. They have fewer calories per gram than sugar: sugar has 3 calories per gram, while sorbitol has 2.6, xylitol has 2.4, and mannitol has 1.6.

You get fiber in vegetables, nuts, and fiber supplements (see chapter 4), which are highly recommended. Don't forget the possibility of cooking up a daily "cereal" made from pure wheat, oat, or corn bran. JONNY BOWDEN'S HEALTHY LOW-CARB LIFE PYRAMID Recreational foods (infrequently/on special occasions) Optional Those with insulin problems need to eat moderately (or temporarily eliminate) This tier is the mainstay of the diet; proportions to be individually determined For weight loss limit ' to 1/4 cup daily 10. Expand joy in your life.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

No fiber supplements were given. All participants received both the ADA diet (providing 24 grams of fiber per day) and the high-fiber diet (providing 50 grams of fiber per day) for a period of six weeks. After six weeks of following each diet, tests were performed to determine blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, and other values. When glucose levels were monitored over a 24-hour period, participants eating the high-fiber diet had an average glucose level that was 10% lower than participants eating the ADA diet.

However, research on using fiber in the treatment of childhood obesity has focused on using fiber supplements (page 512) rather than comparing low- and high-fiber diets. Supplementation for four months with 2 to 3 grams per day of a bulking agent called gluco-mannan (page 526), was effective in a group of obese adolescents in one controlled trial,43 but another controlled trial found no significant effect of 2 grams per day for two months.44 Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

Dr. McDougall's Digestive Tune-Up John A. McDougall See book keywords and concepts

PHGG is better tolerated and preferred by patients over other kinds of fiber supplements. Flaxseeds increase bowel movements by about 30 percent and can be consumed as a cereal (for example, Uncle Sam Cereal) or added to any grain before cooking (add 2-4 tablespoons of whole flaxseeds to each cup of grain). Flaxseeds may also reduce the risk for colon cancer. Stool bulking agents increase the volume of the stool and can be used when more natural remedies (such as those listed above) are unsuccessful.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS As previously discussed, fiber supplements frequently fail to correct chronic constipation. However, one fiber that may work when all others fail is chitosan. Chitosan is a fiber composed of chitin, which is a component of the shell of shellfish that is used for weight and cholesterol reduction. Chitosan has unique properties in its ability to bind fat from food in the stomach and the intestines. When fat content in the bowel increases, it makes the feces soft and smooth (Rossner et al. 1995).

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

In some of the clinical studies on weight loss, fiber supplements were shown to reduce the number of calories absorbed by 30 to 180 calories per day. This reduction in calories may not seem like much, but over the course of a year it would add up to three to eighteen pounds. There are many water-soluble fiber supplements to choose from. Here are two important recommendations: 1. Avoid products that contain a lot of sugar or other sweeteners added to camouflage the taste 2.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

SOME CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES Physicians often recommend fiber supplements (bulk producers) to prevent constipation. They also recommend eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, and more whole grain cereals and breads. Dried fruit such as apricots, pmnes, and figs are especially high in fiber. Some physicians suggest adding small amounts of unprocessed bran ("miller's bran") to baked goods, cereals, and fruit. However, some persons experience bloating and gas for several weeks after adding bran to their diets.

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Dietary fiber supplements appear to exert a dose-dependent effect in weight loss studies as well. Therefore, to achieve the greatest benefit, the dosage should be as high as possible. TABLE 2 Clinical Studies of Dietary Fiber Supplements FIBER #OF LENGTH DOSAGE CALORIE AVG. LOSS AVG. LOSS wy REFERENCE SUBJECTS OF STUDY RESTRICTION W/FIBER PLACEBO Guar30 9 2 months 20 g/day None 9.4 lbs No placebo group Guar31 7 1 year 20 g/day None 61.9 lbs No placebo group Guar32 21 2 1 /2 months 20 g/day None 15.6 lbs No placebo group Guar33 33 2.

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