Fiber Complete

Overview

Occasional constipation affects 15-20% of the US population. It can be caused by stress, dehydration, or diet and lifestyle choices. The prevalence of refined sugars and carbohydrates in the modern diet, combined with the low presence of fiber, is linked to slowed bowel transit time and altered colonic environment. Dietary fiber, the indigestible part of plant foods, enables smooth bowel movements, prevents occasional constipation, and promotes healthy gastrointestinal (GI) microflora balance. Other effects of fiber depend on the type (soluble or insoluble).

Soluble Fiber†

Occasional constipation affects 15-20% of the US population. It can be caused by stress, dehydration, or diet and lifestyle choices. The prevalence of refined sugars and carbohydrates in the modern diet, combined with the low presence of fiber, is linked to slowed bowel transit time and altered colonic environment. Dietary fiber, the indigestible part of plant foods, enables smooth bowel movements.

Insoluble Fiber†

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. Substances found in insoluble fiber include cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. These cell walls of plants are not digested and help maintain bowel health and regularity. Foods rich in insoluble fiber include whole grains and most dark green leafy vegetables, like cabbage and cauliflower. Both types of fiber are necessary to maintain regularity and healthy bowel function. With the balanced ratio of soluble to insoluble fiber, Fiber Plus is an ideal way to achieve greater fiber intake with a balanced profile that represents a healthy diet.

Fiber Depletion†

The daily recommended intake (DRI) for dietary fiber varies with gender and age, but the USDA recommends 38 g per day for males ages 19-50 and 25 g per day for females ages 1950. Other health institutions recommend up to 50 g per day. The lack of adequate dietary fiber intake may lead to digestive challenges and skin concerns such as blotches and blemishes.

Psyllium Husk†

Several clinical trials have shown psyllium to be significantly effective as studied alongside laxatives.1 Studies have also demonstrated psyllium husk can improve overall bowel regularity.2,3 Psyllium has been found to be effective at increasing stool output and was found to improve the symptoms of occasional constipation increasing abdominal comfort and a sense of evacuation completeness, while reducing defecation effort. A randomized controlled trial found psyllium to have a significant effect among those with bowel irregularity and discomfort. After three months, symptom severity in the psyllium group was reduced by 90 points, compared with 49 in the placebo group.4 The laxative effect and gut- stimulatory effect of psyllium has been purported to be facilitated partially by muscarinic and 5-HT(4) receptor activation, which complements the laxative effect of psyllium’s fiber content.4 In addition, studies have also found that a 15 g dose of psyllium given three times per day before meals supports blood sugar and blood lipid levels already within normal levels.5,6

Flax Seed†

Flax seed has a diverse and healthy profile of omega fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids from ALA, omega-6 fatty acids from linoleic acid and omega-9 fatty acids from oleic acid. This blend is unique in that it contains both alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid in generous amounts. Both alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid are considered essential fatty acids because they are required for human health but cannot be synthesized by the body. However, changes in the modern diet over the last century have led to a decrease in the general consumption of omega-3 fats and a dramatic increase in the dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. Since omega-3 fatty acids are known to benefit cardiovascular health, support a healthy brain, and are proven to maintain a healthy inflammatory response, achieving the proper balance of omega-3s is important health strategy, requiring supplementation for most people.7 Flax seed provides unique health benefits and supports individuals who need to increase their omega-3 intake.

Rice Bran†

In one animal study, daily consumption of rice bran, including water soluble rice bran and rice bran fiber concentrates, resulted in significantly enhanced blood sugar balance and fasting blood sugar and lipid levels maintained in the normal range.8 The extracts of rice bran have also been found to support cardiovascular health, a balanced inflammatory response and a healthy colonic environment.9, 10

Apple Pectin†

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed consumption of pectin promotes healthy blood fats and maintains cholesterol levels already within a normal range.10 Liver fat concentrations have been found to be lower in rats fed diets containing apple pectin. Fecal bile acid excretion was also found to be reduced, and sterol excretion significantly increased with the addition of pectin. Rats fed pectin-rich diets also had lower levels of certain blood fats than controls.11

Fig(Ficus carica)†

The phytochemical properties of Fig’s laxative effect are due to the bulk of seeds and fibers.12 In a doubleblind, randomized controlled study of 20 patients with occasional functional bowel irregularity, supplementation with fig fruit increased frequency, reduced defecation time, improved abdominal comfort and heightened a sense of complete evacuation. Fig fruit supplementation also improved the symptoms of occasional irregularity,13 and the fruit has also been shown to maintain bulk in those with loose stools.14

Prune (Prunus domestica)†

Prunes or dried prunes contain 6.1 g of dietary fiber per 100 g, as well as large amounts of phenolic compounds which may aid in their efficacy for occasional constipation and glycemic support. The phenolic compounds in prunes have been found to inhibit oxidation of certain blood fat components in vitro, and thus may protect against oxidative damage. In addition, prunes have a high concentration of potassium and have been shown to support blood pressure and cardiovascular health.15 Another study found that consumption of prunes two times a day was effective in helping with occasional constipation in 40 subjects enrolled in an eight-week study.16 Directions 3 capsules per day with at least 8 oz of liquid or as recommended by your health care professional. Does Not Contain Gluten, yeast, artificial colors and flavors. Cautions If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product. Without drinking enough liquid this product may swell in throat, causing blockage or choking. Do not use this product if you have ever had esophageal narrowing or swallowing difficulties. Seek immediate medical help if symptoms of esophageal blockage (chest pain/pressure, regurgitation or difficulty swallowing) occur. May cause allergic reaction in persons sensitive to inhaled or ingested Psyllium.

References

1. Frizelle F. Constipation in adults. Clin Evod (online). 2007; 0413 (August 1). 2. Mehmood, Aziz. Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of psyllium husk (isphagula) in constipation and diarrhea. Dig Dis Sci. 2011; 56(5):1460-1471. 3. Kruis W, Forstmaier G, Scheurlen C, Stellaard F. Effect of diets low and high in refined sugars on gut transit, bile acid metabolism, and bacterial fermentation. Gut. 1991 Apr; 32(4):36771. 4. Bijkerk, Wit Nd, al MJe. Soluble or insoluble fiber in irritable bowel syndrome in primary care? Randomized placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2009; 339:b3154. 5. Sierra M. Garcia JJ, Fernandez N, Diez MJ, Calle AP. Therapeutic effects of psyllium in type 2 diabetic patients. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Sep; 56(9):830-42. 6. Anderson JW, Allgood LD, TurnerJ, Oeltgen PR, Daggy BP. Effects of psyllium on glucose and serum lipid responses in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Oct; 70(4):466-73. 7. Connor WE. Importance of n-3 fatty acids in health and disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jan;71(1 Suppl):171S-5S. 8. Qureshi A, Sami S, Khan F. Effects of stabilized rice bran, its soluble and fiber fractions on blood glucose levels and serum lipid parameters in human diabetes mellitus types I and II. J Nutr Biochem. 2002;13(3):175-187. 9. Komiyama Y, Andoh A, Fujiwara D, Ohmae H, Araki Y, Fujiyama Y, Mitsuyama K, Kanauchi O. New prebiotics from rice bran ameliorate inflammation in murine colitis models through the modulation of intestinal homeostasis and the mucosal immune system. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011 Jan; 46(1):40-52. Epub 2010 Aug 24. 10. Brouns F, Theuwissen E, Adam A. Cholesterol-lowering properties of different pectin types in mildly hyper-cholesterolemic men and women. EJCN. 2011; doi:10.1038(21 December). 11. Aprikian O, Duclos V, Guyot S, et al. Apple pectin and a polyphenol-rich apple concentrate are more effective together than separately on cecal fermentations and plasma lipids in rats. J Nutr. Jun 2003;133(6):1860-1865. 12. Joseph B, Raj J. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical properties of Ficus carica Linn-an overview. Intl J Pharm Tech Research. 2011; 3(1):8-13. Kim S-Y, al HBe. Effect of Ficus carica on functional constipation. FASEB J. 2010; Abstract supplement iIB 348 (April 24). 14. Patil VV, Bhangale SC, Chaudhari KP, Kakade RT, Thakare VM, Bonde CG, Patil VR. Evaluation of the antidiarrheal activity of the plant extracts of Ficus species Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2012 Mar;10(3):347-52. 15. Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis, PE B, A E. Chemical composition and potential health effects of prunes: A functional food? Critical reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2001; 41(4):251 -286. 16. Attaluri A, al RDe. Randomized clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs psyllium for constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2011; 33(7):822-828.