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| constipation, urinary tract infections and chronic fatigue syndrome. Because friendly intestinal bacteria strengthen the entire system, they are an important support factor in herbal detoxification. |
| The Importance of Dietary Fiber |
| Dietary fiber, what remains of indigestible plant cell walls after food moves through the small intestine, makes stools soft and bulky, speeding their transit time through the large intestine. This dilutes the effects of any toxic or carcinogenic compounds in the intestine, causing them to be excreted quickly, and it helps remove or inhibit toxic bacteria in the colon. In addition, some forms of fiber attract toxins, absorbing and expelling them. Good colon health depends on fiber, and the lack of it has been linked to constipation, diverticulitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, colon cancer and obesity. |
| Soluble fibers dissolve in water; insoluble or crude fibers do not. Both are necessary for optimum digestion. In fact, there are five types of fibercellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, gums and ligninall of which enhance digestion and elimination. |
| The most popular source of supplemental fiber is powdered psyllium husk, sold by itself and as an |
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