by Allan Wohrnitz (BSc)
The importance of dietary
fibres in one's diet is probably the most underestimated food that the body
cannot do without. The presence of adequate fibres assists the body to lose
weight, prevents bad fats from entering the body, reduces cholesterol, balances
sugar levels which helps with diabetes and hyperactivity, prevents irritable
bowel syndrome, cleans the colon and helps to remove all stuck waste in the
colon that has been busy intoxicating the body.
Lack of fibres can result in
constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer, colon damage and leaky gut,
candida overgrowth, hyperactivity, constant tiredness, allergies, joint pains,
recurring infections and inflammations.
Fibres come in two types;
namely soluble fibres and insoluble fibres.
Soluble fibres have the
property of attaching itself to glucose and controls its release into the blood
stream. Controlled release of glucose is the key to weight loss, mental
alertness, preventing diabetes and constant energy levels. When glucose levels
are maintained at the normal levels, the body releases a new hormone called glugacon which has the property of burning fat. When the sugar levels go beyond
the normal levels, the excess glucose gets converted into fat and the body stays
in that mode of making fat and it no longer burns fat as no glugacon is
produced. Soluble fibres form a gel that helps prevent fat and cholesterol from
passing through the intestinal wall. It also binds to potential cancer causing
agents in the intestines and prevents them being absorbed. It also assists with
the more effective use of insulin in carrying glucose into the cells – good for
diabetics.
In order to get the body
into Fat Burning Mode, one should consume foods high in soluble fibres, together
with good proteins, essential fatty acids and vitamins and minerals. When those
conditions are provided, the body becomes a fat burner and builds lean muscle
with the following beneficial effects – more energy, better skin, hair and
nails, greater endurance, regained youthfulness and general wellness. The good
news is that one cannot overeat fibre rich foods as they will never allow the
release of excessive amounts of glucose, hence no excessive fat build up!. This
is also the key for those who suffer from poor metabolisms.
Soluble fibres also prevent
undigested proteins from getting into contact with the colon wall. The colon
wall is a very sensitive surface and should only have contact with fully
digested foods for its absorption into the blood stream (could be the cause of
wheat and gluten intolerance as well as celiac disease).
Diets of refined foods (junk
foods such as chips, pastries, chocolates, sweets, white rice, white and brown
bread) release sugar or glucose into the blood stream too fast. The body gets a
surge of glucose which goes beyond the normal glucose levels and fat storage
occurs. Refined foods have had all fibres removed which results in no controlled
glucose release when those foods are consumed. Hyperactivity in children is
often caused by such diets with fluctuating sugar levels resulting in poor
concentration, obesity and their getting out of control.
Insoluble fibres help carry
waste out of the colon. It adds bulk to the stools and helps it move more
swiftly. The more quickly stools move, the less likely harmful substances can do
damage at cellular level. It is assisted with an adequate consumption of water
and helps to prevent constipation. Consider the fibre as a broom which will
sweep the colon of its waste. However, one needs something to make the broom
work, and this is done by the muscles of the colon that will create the
movement, called peristalsis.
Irregular bowel movement and
Irritable bowel syndrome can be due to lack of colon muscle movement which is
resolved by Magnesium, Vitamin B1 and Potassium. Colon inflammations due to
proteins damaging the colon wall, or candida overgrowth or excessive toxins from
unmoved colon waste is resolved with glutamine, acidophilus, alfalfa, Magnesium
di-Oxide, Vitamin B5, Vitamin C and BComplex. Possibly some herbal formulas to
get rid of parasites (as determined by a health care practitioner).
Foods that contain both
fibres are as follows:
Beans, lentils, chickpeas,
mung beans, brown rice, brown basmathi rice, rolled oats (not 2 minute oats),
barley, quinoa, millet, sorghum, polenta, whole grain mealies, whole wheat, soya,
ground linseeds, psyllium husks, fruits and vegetables.
If you need nutritional
advices on weight loss, joint pains and arthritis, lack of energy, lack of
metabolism, bowel problems, allergies (asthma, eczema, inflammations),
hyperactivity in children, poor concentration, etc, contact Allan on e-health@eca.co.za.
Allan is a nutritional
researcher and he has written over 100 health articles on every aspect of
health. This he did to educate people on the basics of nutrition so they can
take better control of their health and become less dependent on drugs or
medication. His articles are now available on a text CD which you can order.
Click on e-Health CD
- Health Articles.
References: Patrick Holford (30
Day Fat Burner Diet), Adelle Davis, Selene Yeager (The Doctor's Book of Food
Remedies)
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