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Fiber Supplement - For Long Term Colon RestorationFiber supplements tend to have many ingredients, but the three most useful recommended by herbalists are below: Flax, Linseed - Linum UsitatissiumAs well as being a source of the essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acids, flax is very mucilaginous. This makes it an excellent fiber supplement. It acts as a source of bulk fiber, and is very soothing to the gut. Flax is a soluble, lubricating fiber. It is recommended by herbalists for those suffering from chronic constipation due to an overly relaxed bowel. Because of its soothing properties, its also excellent for conditions where the mucosa of the bowel is inflamed. Flax seeds need to be taken either whole or crushed, or after water is added. The herbalist Weiss recommends the crushed seeds. Many people add this to their breakfast cereal. You'll need to drink 1 or 2 glasses of water afterwards to activate the mucilaginous effect, which is released by the effect of the water on the seeds. Weiss also states that simply soaking flax in water first is not effective in terms of creating this non harmful laxative effect. Flax is a long term fiber supplement solution. Both the increased motility of stools, and the restoration of the tone of the colon's muscles, takes time. The restoration of the bowel muscles will take a long time, whereas the improvement in regularity should only take a few days. As well as its fiber supplement effect, flax contains the minerals potassium and calcium.
Psyllium - Plantago PsylliumPsyllium fiber supplements reduce the transit time in the bowel, by increasing the bulk of the stools and increasing their water content. Psyllium is gentle, and its mucilaginous mass is also able to absorb chemicals that are otherwise toxic, and remove them from the body. Psyllium also binds bile salts, which benefits cholesterol levels. Psyllium is a soluble fiber supplement. Psyllium is recommended by herbalists in cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as hemorrhoids. The latter is due to its ability to make the stools softer and easier to excrete. Psyllium fiber supplements should not be used in cases of diabetes where insulin adjustment is a problem. Like flax seeds, psyllium husks should be taken before food, immediately followed by 1 cup of fluid per tablespoon of psyllium, like water or juice.
Oats - Avena SativaOats are very nutritious. As well as being a source of fiber, they contain amino acids, vitamins A, the B complex, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E. They also contain the minerals silicon, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus. Oats are considered to be a tonic for the nervous system, and instill a feeling of well being. Because oats contain gluten, they may not be useful to people sensitive to it.
More colon health and fiber supplements here.
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Other fiber supplements may include soy lecithin, alfalfa, and slippery elm. Slippery elm is very mucilaginous and nutritious. It is however, generally used by herbalists to treat respiratory and urinary tract problems. But it is recommended for people with colitis, gastritis, and diarrhea. If it is being taken to soothe the digestive tract, it should be taken before food.
(C) by Rebecca Prescott, 2003-2008. All Rights Reserved.
