Fiber

Are you getting enough? Lack of fiber in our diets can lead to many medical complications as we grow older and become less active. As a result of our western culture it's a nutrient which may be hard to adequately maintain without the use of supplements which goes completely against my theory regarding the very topic, "Supplements," when I suggested the use of them as not necessary. This is my only exception to that theory. Most of our westernized fast food restaurants do not offer many foods high in fiber.

Appendicitis, Breast and Colon cancer, Constipation leading to diverticular disease and hemorrhoids, symptoms from diabetes and hypoglycemia, gallstones cause by elevated blood cholesterol levels leading to heart disease, irritable bowl syndrome, obesity, and on a personal level, varicose veins should all be enough reason for us to be aware of our daily intake of fiber. These symptoms and diseases are linked to the lack of fiber in our diets. It's recommended we include 25 - 45 grams of fiber in our dietary intake each day to help ward off some of these diseases and or symptoms.

Some common supplements to achieve an adequate fiber level are: Fiber One, Metamucil, Benefiber, to name a few.

Besides supplements there are still many high fiber foods - avocado's are my favorite high fiber food - if you are willing to take the time to prepare and shop differently from your usual routine:

Grain and Whole Wheat Products
Bagels, Bran Buds, Brown Rice, Buds, Cereals, Granola, Muffins, Pasta.

Fruits
Dried fruits (apricots, dates, prunes, raisins) Apples, Avocado, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Mango,Oranges, Peach, Pears, Raspberries, Strawberries

Vegetables
Broccoli, Beans, Carrots, Cauliflower, Corn, Green Beans, Green Peas, Greens, Legumes, Peas, Potato with Skin,

Nuts
Almonds, Peanuts

Beans
Black, Chick, Kidney, Lentils, Lima, Pinto, Soy