Do We Need Added Fibre

Although fibre is supposed to travel through the gut at a faster rate, it does not always do so and using it as a “stomach filler” when dieting is not always good either.

Digestive stress and fatloss are two of the main conditions for which additional fibre, bran in particular, is recommended. Although it can be helpful for some, there are in fact other alternatives. In many cases  added fibre, particularly cereal fibre, may actually increase the risk of digestive stress.

Constipation is a frequent complaint when people who have eaten a high-fibre, high carb, low fat diet and adopt a different macro percentage nutrition template.  However, that does not mean that the new diet is at fault. Constipation is really caused by their previous diet. What happens is this:

When we eat food the waste is moved along the bowel by circular muscles, in the same way as a worm moves. If you eat a high-fibre diet, the fibre itself forces waste through and the circular bowel action is made redundant. After a while it stops working. Now you change to a more natural diet with a lower ­fibre intake and your bowel muscles don't work as they should, so you get constipated.  The muscles will recover if you keep eating appropriately, (unprocessed foods, lean meats, good fats, etc,) and drinking more water.  What you should not do is go back to the high-fibre regime that caused the problem in the first place.  Obviously seasonal vegetables and fruits are good, but not in the vast quantities some people suggest.

Contrary to what the ‘experts’ tell us; we are not physiologically designed to consume processed foods.  Consuming foods low on the food chain is ideal.  High fibre processed grains [Breakfast Cereals, Oatbran Muffins, Muesli Bars, Breads & Pasta, etc] for most are problematic for efficient digestive health.

When you think about the marketing propaganda associated with breakfast cereals, the question begs, if the processed grains are so good for us, why do they supplement the product with sweeteners, vitamins, minerals and proteins.  It would appear that without these additives it not only tastes lousy, but its nutritional composition is questionable.  Have you ever thought about growing your very own wheat tree out back to compliment your fruit and vegie patch?