Tag: health

Fibre and Fibre Supplements

Today’s post is about fibre and fibre supplements.

Continuing on from our last post on stomach acid, today we will take a look at fibre.

What is fibre?

There are actually two forms that we can consume – soluble and insoluble.

Basically, one forms a gel like substance when mixed with water (soluble), chia seeds are an example of this. This soluble fibre helps to reduce cholesterol and fat absorption and improving glucose control, it also helps us to feel fuller helping with weight loss.

Insoluble fibre stays pretty much as it is eaten, all the way through the digestive process, an example of this is psyllium husk. This type provides bulk to the stool as well as helping to clean out the digestive system. It does this by acting as a sort of broom inside the digestive tract sweeping away things that are trying to cling to the sides.

Both types of fibre are an important part of a healthy diet and especially for digestion.

The two forms of fibre perform many tasks that are necessary to our overall health. They provide the balance between constipation and diarrhoea, they provide a food source for important bacteria in the digestive tract and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and some intestinal cancers. Fibre also slows the rate that sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream which keeps the blood glucose levels from rising too fast.

What about a fibre supplement?

Studies have found that only 5% of adults consume the recommended level of dietary fibre. So, for many, taking supplements can be a convenient way to improve part of their diet. There are easily available products like Metamucil or Benefiber that can help. However, these products don’t offer the same nutritional benefits of getting the fibre from food sources.

What about long-term use?

Is a supplement sustainable in the long term raises the question of why you are taking a fibre supplement in the first place.

As a Naturopath I feel that the reasons for continued use of a fibre supplement should be explored. There may be other issues to consider and if they are not addressed then more health concerns could occur. Therefore, it is more important to ascertain what that underlying problem may be.

It could quite simply be that there are gaps in the diet not providing enough of the right type of fibre. In this case the simple answer is small changes to your diet to include more. This means including things like fruits, beans, whole grains and vegetables into your diet in greater amounts and preferably unprocessed.

Of course, it is possible to get too much of a good thing and fibre is no exception. Too much fibre can lead to bloating and excessive gas and no-one wants that. As with all things, there is a balancing act going on inside the body at all times.

So, if you think you have an issue with too much or too little fibre then see your health professional.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Sources – National Library of Medicine –

End of a Degree

We are going to be taking a break from writing for this blog for a month or so, to celebrate the end of a degree.

For those of you who have been following this blog for a while, you will be aware that Scott has been studying. For the past 6 ½ years he has been completing a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science. Today he completed his last class and in 2 months there will be a graduation ceremony.

To celebrate his achievement, we are taking a break and going on a road trip. A few weeks of fresh air, beaches and national parks.

Scott first undertook this degree as something to keep him occupied on his days off. As he got more involved, he realised that this knowledge would enable him to do something for others.

Helping people overcome mental health issues, particularly first responders, is an area that Scott is very passionate about. As a Naturopath, he is looking forward to being able to help these people in a holistic way.

A new challenge

Over the coming months we will be transforming this blog into a business platform, as well as a place of information. This will become the site for Live Clean n Prosper Health Services.

Thank you all for your support over the years and as we move into a new future, we look forward to meeting some of you and helping many.

 Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

A medicinal plant called Moringa

Todays post is about a medicinal plant called Moringa, or specifically Moringa oleifera.

We were recently made aware of the existence of the plant, which seems to have several medicinal benefits.

So Scott has done research and I have shared some of what he has found.

First, what is Moringa?

It’s a tropical tree that can withstand both severe drought and mild frost conditions. It is widely cultivated across the world and there are several varieties. It is a plant native to India and other countries, however the most studied variety, Moringa oleifera, comes from south Asia. It has many common names, such as mother’s best friend, the miracle tree, the never die tree, the ben oil tree and is also often called the drumstick tree or ‘horseradish tree’ because of its skinny, foot-long pods.

Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. It can be grown cheaply and easily, and retains much of its nutritional value when dried. Almost all of the plant is edible and every part of the tree is suitable for either nutritional or commercial purposes.

It has a long history

Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years. It was discovered in northern India around 2000 BC. Traditional doctors quickly discovered its medicinal impact and called it “The Miracle Tree”. Aristocracy and members of royal families were taking Moringa for its beneficial effects on mental alertness and healthy skin.

The ancient Egyptians highly valued Moringa oil or Ben Oil, which was used instead of sunscreen. However, it was the ancient Greeks, who discovered a number of other valuable Moringa effects on human health.

Today, you can find quality Moringa in Australia, the Philippines, eastern India, China, South Africa and Southeast Asia.

So, what are its health benefits?

Since its discovery, Indians and Africans have used nearly every part of this plant to treat more than 300 different ailments. Recent research is also indicating that several of its active constituents have validity in modern medicine.

The plant is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. The presence of these phytochemicals makes it a good medicinal agent.

Several studies have shown that, Moringa leaves can act as an anti-diabetic agent. This is due to the presence of certain flavanoids. It’s the presence of these flavanoids that also give the leaves the anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease inflammation and reduce pain.

As a food source in some parts of the world, the plant’s peppery leaves are often eaten as a vegetable. They’re also dried and ground into a powder used in soups and curries. They alone are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. They contain Protein, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Iron, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin A, Calcium and Magnesium. The presence of these minerals and vitamins can help in boosting the immune system.

Compared to the leaves, the pods are generally lower in vitamins and minerals. However, they are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. The seeds are also beneficial, containing oleic acid (Ben oil), an antibiotic called pterygospermin, and fatty acids.

In many Western countries, the dried leaves are sold as dietary supplements, either in powder or capsule form.

 

So it would seem that this plant really does have a lot to offer; however more study is required regarding its medicinal benefits in this modern world.

As always, it is recommended that you seek advise from your chosen health professional before consuming this product as a supplement.

 

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Sources – (Science Direct – Academic Journals  –Healthline – Web MD )