Your Digestive System
Your digestive system is designed to break down the foods that you eat and turn them into the right chemicals for a healthy body. Most people think of their stomachs as the “digestive system,” but the process of digestion really begins the moment you chew and swallow and continues all the way through the colon. Healthy digestion promotes a healthy body. But a build-up of any kind of toxins in the digestive system can lead to less than optimal health. Anyone can be susceptible to accumulating a buildup of toxins in their bodies, thereby decreasing and possibly harming their digestive system. That is why it’s important to maintain good digestive health with the use of natural ingredients, such as fiber.
Keep Your Digestive System Healthy with Fiber
Regularity: Fiber helps people prevent constipation. Fiber increases the amount of water in fecal matter, creating more bulk and softer stools. Fiber helps the bowel system function and may enable you to avoid the potentially irritating effects of chemical laxatives.
Healthy bacteria: Prebiotics are non-digestible nutrients that help nourish probiotics so that they can provide the most benefit to your body. Prebiotics may assist in relieving many health concerns, including
- avoiding or improving diarrhea,
- improving gastroenteritis and colitis,
- normalizing bowel function,
- minimizing irritable bowel problems,
- assisting with calcium absorption, and
- enhancing the immune system
Prebiotics occur naturally in a variety of foods, especially high-fiber foods, including certain fruits, vegetables and grains, but it is difficult to consume enough prebiotics through food to be beneficial, which is why supplementation should be an integral part of your healthcare routine.
Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit the digestive system. They exist naturally in your digestive tract, and they also are available in some foods and supplements. The Cleveland Clinic explains that probiotics can help your digestive health by:
- decreasing the amount of "bad" bacteria in your gut that can cause infections or inflammation
- replacing the body's "good" bacteria that may have been lost when taking antibiotics, for example
- restoring the body's "good" versus "bad" bacterial balance, which then helps to keep your body functioning properly
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 Diverticulitis. WebMD explains that diverticulitis is inflammation of diverticula, which are small pouches in the wall of the digestive tract. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of these pouches becomes inflamed or infected. One study found that a diet high in healthy fiber could reduce the risk of diverticular disease by 40%. Other studies suggest that a high-fiber diet can ease symptoms in people who have the condition and prevent future exacerbations.
Gastro esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and ulcers. Gastro esophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD, or acid reflux (heartburn), is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame the lining of the esophagus. Left untreated, GERD can lead to ulcers and bleeding of the esophagus.
Studies have indicated fatty food, larger food portions, and eating before bedtime can trigger GERD. Some studies have suggested that a high-fiber diet is associated with a lower risk of GERD.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This is an uncomfortable gastrointestinal condition that may cause diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating or abdominal cramps. The causes of IBS are not known; it can develop after an intestinal infection and can be worsened by stress. The nerves of the autonomic nervous system connect the colon and the brain; during stressful times, these nerves can cause the intestines to contract, which in sensitive people contributes to IBS flair ups. While there is no known, definitive cure for IBS, there are lifestyle changes that should be made to help relieve symptoms, such as increasing intake of dietary fiber, such as the soluble fiber found in Konsyl Supplements, exercising regularly, improving sleep habits and avoiding alcohol, stimulants (such as caffeine) and high gas foods.
Other health benefits. Fiber's benefits aren't restricted to digestive health. Studies have found that an adequate daily intake of fiber can also lower cholesterol, promote healthy blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and help people lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. If you find it difficult to consume enough fiber in your daily diet, try adding a fiber supplement, such as Konsyl Original, Easy Mix or Orange Sugar Free to your everyday health regimen. |
