Fiber and your health

It’s hardly a secret that high-protein, low-carb diets have taken North America by storm. You may even be one of the tens of millions of North Americans on these diets that have turned the traditional food pyramid on its end. There’s no question these diets aid in weight loss, but they can cause nutrient deficiencies and are deficient in dietary fiber.

While the road to a svelte new you may be paved with high-protein, if you’re like most low-carbers it’s likely you’ve also encountered a few potholes along the way.

Unfortunately constipation, stomach upset and bloating are common problems for people on low-carb diets. That’s because they aren’t getting enough fiber.

“Any time you make a fundamental change in your diet your body is going to react — and when it does you are bound to experience certain symptoms or problems,” says Stephen Sondike, MD, director of the Nutrition, Exercise, and Weight Management Program (NEW) at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

The primary place you are going to see metabolic changes when on any kind of diet is in your gastrointestinal tract. These can include changes in bowel habits often experienced as constipation and upset. The reason is that most of us get whatever little fiber we consume from high-carb foods such as bread and pasta. Cut those foods out, and your fiber intake drops dramatically, and in some to virtually zero. As your fiber intake decreases, your risk of constipation and gastric upset increases.

The irony is, if you follow a low-carb diet correctly, you should be replacing those high-carb foods with low-carb, high-fiber vegetables, which which should help partially counter the constipation by providing some of the fiber that you were getting before without the excessive carbs.

Unfortunately it is virtually impossible on a low-carb diet to obtain the amount of fiber you need entirely from your food. You will need to top up your fiber to get close to the 38 grams experts say we require each day. This is where Fiberrific can help.

“The one thing I would not do is start taking laxatives — adding more fiber to your diet is definitely a smarter and healthier way to deal with the problem,” says Doris Pasteur, MD, director of the Nutrition Wellness program at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Low-carb diets turn on the fat-burning processes, known as “dietary ketosis.” These ketones are believed to act as an appetite suppressant and to cause dehydration, a common problem associated with a low carb diet.

The solution: Drink more water.

The lower your intake of carbohydrates, the greater your need for a vitamin supplement. That’s the mantra that most doctors now recommend that everyone on a low-carb diet should never forget.

The reason? Any time you restrict your diet, particularly in terms of certain food groups, your nutrient levels can drop. But when your diet is low carb, experts say you may be in even greater need for vitamins and minerals.

Sondike agrees and says that, “Any time you are on a weight-loss diet you need a good multivitamin, regardless of whether you are limiting your carbohydrate intake or not.”

There is mounting evidence that a low-carb diet can also take its toll on calcium levels. Because of this it is wise to take a calcium supplement beginning at the start of your low-carb diet to safeguard against a possible deficiency.

Finally, if you stick to your low-carb diet via the use of prepackaged foods, experts say read the label carefully to avoid ingredients that are notoriously responsible for gastrointestinal upsets. Among the worst offenders: sugar alcohols (sorbitol, maltitol, isomalt, mannitol, xylitol, etc.) and artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, etc.).

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The fiber mix

There are two broad categories of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Both soluble and insoluble fibers are vital to good health, proper immunity and nutrient absorption. These two forms of fiber perform different functions in your body. Contrary to what most people think, both soluble and insoluble fibers are not digested by your body.

They are therefore not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead of being used for energy, fiber is excreted from our bodies.

Most foods contain a mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber, which together make up “dietary fiber”, the term used on food labels. Fibers that can dissolve in liquids are called soluble fiber and those that can’t dissolve in liquids are insoluble.

Insoluble fiber has one main health benefit. It acts as “roughage” irritating and scratching the digestive system which acts as a broom, cleaning the colon of dead cells and waste, but also causing irritation. Your body tries to eliminate this irritation (and waste) the only way it can, by excreting it causing bowel movements. We need this constant cleansing as it helps us eliminate waste that if left in us can cause digestive upset, allow pathogens to flourish and cause disease. Unfortunately this beneficial “broom action” also decreases nutrient absorption and interferes with some medications.

All other health benefits associated with fiber (controlling and preventing diabetes, preventing cancer, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, preventing digestive disorders, preventing overeating, etc.) are associated with soluble fiber.

Now that researchers better understand the exact mechanisms of the beneficial effects that fiber gives us, they agree that we should consume a bare minimum of 25 to 38 grams of fiber daily (Food and Nutrition Board). Those afflicted with any degenerative or chronic disease (including arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol and candidiasis) are under greater body stress and should aim for at least 70 grams of daily fiber.

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to achieve a consistent healthy, high fiber diet. In fact, partially due to our fast-paced lifestyles and the convenience of packaged foods, North Americans consume far less fiber than we require. On average, we consume less than 10 grams daily, with vegetarians achieving a slightly better 12 grams.

Even more alarming is the vast majority of the fiber we do get is insoluble. This is due to the way fiber is found in foods. Insoluble and soluble fibers are bound together, usually in a ratio of 5 to 1. So if you are the “average” person getting 10 grams of total fiber a day, you are actually only getting 2 grams of soluble fiber! The experts agree that we need as much soluble fiber as insoluble fiber to keep healthy.

It is virtually impossible to get enough total fiber and enough soluble fiber from food alone. This is why most health care practitioners recommend fiber supplementation and stress soluble fiber as the key type that is needed.

Fiberrific is the soluble fiber solution. It is 97% pure soluble fiber, the highest amount available anywhere. Each taste-free, easy to take (and bake with) teaspoon provides 4.5g of soluble fiber! It is the easy way to increase your soluble fiber intake and reap the health benefits of fiber. Additionally, Fiberrific is gentle and non-irritating, making it the ideal fiber supplement for anyone with a sensitive digestive system and those concerned about gluten or IBS.

Fiberrific FAQ

What is Pure-lē Natural Fiberrific Made From?
A.Chicory Root or Agave
Pure-lē Natural Fiberrific is made by taking 100% natural chicory roots and water-extracting the fiber from the root. This fiber then undergoes a natural enzymatic process which “cuts” the fiber into smaller pieces. The resulting product, Fiberrific, is a 100% natural 97% pure soluble fiber.

Pure-lē Organic Fiberrific is made by taking 100% natural agave and water-extracting the fiber from the plant. This fiber then undergoes a natural enzymatic process which “cuts” the fiber into smaller pieces. The resulting product, Fiberrific, is a 100% natural 94% pure soluble fiber.

Is Fiberrific Safe?
A. Yes.
The ingredient in Fiberrific has undergone hundreds of clinical trials confirming both its safety and efficacy as a beneficial fiber source for everyone, including children, diabetics, hypoglycemics, the elderly and the infirm. Fiberrific is formulated from the highest grade of inulin, a component of over 36,000 edible plants. It is classified as a food and is certified to meet the highest international safety standards for ingredients.

Does Fiberrific have any side effects?
A. Just good health.
Adding fiber to the average North American’s diet can only serve to increase the health of users. In the short run users might experience increased gas while their body adjusts to the increase in fiber. This effect is short term and should go away after a couple of days. If it is a concern for you, simply cut your dose in half and gradually (over the course of several days) increase your dose to where you would like it to be.

How soluble is Fiberrifc?
A.Exceptionally.
Fiberrific is the most soluble fiber supplement, period. You can prove this to yourself with the following test:
Try the “Fiberrific Cold Water Test” with any other fiber supplement and you’ll see that no other fiber supplement can compare to Fiberrific: One of the most difficult substances to be soluble in is clear, cold water. It is difficult because it is clear you are able to see any insoluble “bits.” Additionally, the colder a liquid is, the harder it is to blend a powder into it. Try adding 12 grams of Fiberrific (1 Tablespoon) to 1 cup (250ml) of water from your fridge. Let sit for a minute, then stir for 30 seconds. Voilà! It all went in. Have a drink. You’ll notice that the water still tastes like WATER!

Can I take more than is recommended on the bottle?
A. Yes.
Because Fiberrific is a food-based fiber source and not a medicine, the bottle merely provides a guideline for the “average” person. We encourage you to experiment with your personal daily requirements. Just remember to add fiber to your diet slowly, to give your digestive system time to adjust.

If I take less than the recommended amount of Fiberrific, will it still benefit me?
A.Yes.
While there are recommended doses on the product label, any quantity offers valuable support and health benefits.

Can I mix Fiberrific with other foods?
A. Yes.
Fiberrific is meant to be mixed with foods. It will mix into virtually any drink (except carbonated beverages) or soft food without altering the taste, texture, colour or smell. You can turn almost any food into a fiber-rich superfood!

Users report success mixing Fiberrific into many liquids including water, juices, milk, tea, coffee, “green” drinks, shakes, protein drinks, and more.

Go ahead and experiment with your baking and cooking. Fiberrific has been successfully used in everything from jams, pancakes, omelettes, pies, cakes and brownies to sauces, soups, salad dressings, breads, muffins, cookies, gelatins and puddings.

Can I mix FIberrific in something hot, like soup or coffee?
A. Yes.
Fiberrific is not altered by heat or cold. You can mix it in almost any liquid or soft food, regardless of temperature.

Can I take Fiberrific during pregnancy or while nursing?
A. Yes!
Fiberrific can benefit both you and your baby. The ingredient in Fiberrific is both used and recommended for use in infant formulas to help develop proper digestive and immune function. Additionally it will help prevent mother’s pregnancy constipation.

Can I give Fiberrific to children?
A.Yes!
Fiberrific is safe for children and teens and can aid in the development of strong bones and teeth, while helping to combat obesity and diabetes. Ensure that you add Fiberrific to an already healthy and balanced diet.

How can I get my kids to take Fiberrific?
A.Just don’t tell them.
Fiberrific blends into almost any beverage or soft food without altering the taste, colour or texture. Simply mix Fiberrific into the things your kids already eat. Put it in their milk, eggs, pancakes, juice and smoothies. Give it a try – and don’t forget to tell us about your successes.

If I am menopausal, can I use Fiberrific?
A. Definitely.
Fiberrific can supplement your daily requirement of fiber and strengthen your immune and digestive systems, while (most importantly) helping you to absorb the calcium and magnesium your body needs to avoid osteoporosis. Fiberrific can also help to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Can Fiberrific be taken while on other medications?
A. Yes.
Your body treats Fiberrific as though it were a food. In fact, blending it into your food is the easiest way to take it! The only observed interactions are an increased effectiveness of anti-cancer and anti-cholesterol medications.

What standards are maintained during production?
A.Strict quality and production standards.
The production processes for Fiberrific are governed by the same strict standards used during the production of medicines. Our Pure-lē Natural production facility is government certified (Health Canada) Good Manufacturing Practices inspected (SGS) and certified both kosher (Kashruth Council of Canada) and Organic (Ecocert SA). All of our processes undergo regular stringent reviews to ensure their accuracy and integrity.

Is there a better time of day to take Fiberrific?
A.Whenever suits you.
It is important to take Fiberrific when it is most convenient for you. Most people find it easiest to take when eating or drinking. 
For blood sugar balancing (diabetes and weight loss), it is important that you take Fiberrific not only each time you eat or drink any carbohydrate (pasta, grains, sugar, starches, processed foods, fruit, vegetables, etc.), but immediately following as well.

Can I continue using my Fiberrific when traveling?
A. Yes.
Traveling can be stressful for your body, especially your immune and digestive systems. Fiberrific travels well, to provide you with health benefits wherever you are. By keeping your digestive tract working properly and intestinal pathogens at bay, Fiberrific helps to keep you from getting the dreaded traveller’s diarrhea.

Should I take an occasional break from using Fiberrific?
A. No.
Fiberrific has been carefully formulated to provide vital fiber to your body on a daily basis. Just as there is no need to take an occasional break from eating fruit, there is no need to interrupt your use of Fiberrifc.

Can I use Fiberrific when I’m fasting?
A. Yes.
Many users have enjoyed the benefits of Fiberrific during cleansing fasts. Since Fiberrific improves your digestive and elimination functions, it can enhance your detoxification process.

I’m healthy and I eat a balanced diet. Will Fiberrific benefit me?
A. Absolutely!
Good health is a process, not a destination. We must constantly work at improving our health in order to realize our potential. We live in a toxic world with our bodily systems under constant attack. And virtually no one gets enough fiber each day – even the most nutritious diet can use assistance in maintaining good health.

Can I feed Fiberrific to my pets?
A. Please do.
Your pets will experience the same health improvements from Fiberrific that humans do. It’s easy enough to mix in their water and food. Just remember that pets also need to begin slowly, working their way up to the desired dosage. Remember that the serving size must be adjusted for their body weight (1/2 teaspoon per 50 pounds three times daily).

I have allergies and am very sensitive. Can I use Fiberrific?
A.Yes.
Many people with multiple allergies benefit from using Fiberrific. Since Fiberrific is only made from inulin or agave, unless you have an allergy to inulin or agave, you should be fine. Fiberrific does not contain any chemicals, nuts, seeds, sugar, corn, soy, dairy, meat or bee products.

I have celiac disease and need to follow a gluten-free diet. Can I use Fiberrific?
A.Yes!
Fiberrific is an entirely gluten-free product. It is completely allergen-free, safe and beneficial for celiacs.

My stool has become softer (or more frequent) since I began taking Fiberrific. Is this normal?
A.Yes.
This is normal and beneficial. As your body adjusts to receiving proper amounts of fiber and your digestive system improves your nutrient absorption, you begin to eliminate toxins from your cells more efficiently. These toxins are transported, along with fluids, to your colon for elimination. This is a crucial process for increasing energy and vitality. It is healthy and normal to have two or more easy bowel movements daily.

What are the negative side effects, if any, for Fiberrific?
A. Temporary gas.
Please note that high-fiber diets may cause temporary gas and bloating, but these symptoms often go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts. (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse) 
Most people have an exceptionally low fiber intake. If their consumption of fiber suddenly rises dramatically, it will cause gas. For this reason, we recommend starting slowly and gradually, over the course of several weeks, increasing your use of Fiberrific until you reach your desired fiber level. 

Week 1: 1/4 desired Fiberrific Dose. 
Week 2: 1/2 desired Fiberrific Dose. 
Week 3: 3/4 desired Fiberrific Dose. 
Week 4: Full desired Fiberrific Dose.

How do I slowly switch from a psyllium based fiber product to Fiberrific?
A. We recommend switching gradually over the course of 4 weeks to allow your body to adjust. 

Week 1: 3/4 dose psyllium product + 1/4 dose Fiberrific 
Week 2: 1/2 dose psyllium product + 1/2 dose Fiberrific 
Week 3: 1/4 dose psyllium product + 3/4 dose Fiberrific 
Week 4: Full dose Fiberrific + no psyllium product

Are there any other effects?
A. Better health!
Users have reported the following: increased energy levels, better digestion, weight loss, reduced insulin requirement in diabetics, relief from constipation and control of diarrhea.

I’m concerned about Geneticaly Modified or GMO products. Does Fiberrifc contain any GMOs?
A.Absolutely none.
We share your concern regarding genetically modified ingredients (also known as Franken-foods) and their impact on our health. Fiberrific is independently certified to be free of genetically modified ingredients.

I’m concerned about protecting the environment. Is Fiberrific a “low impact” product?
A. Definitely.
We share your concern and embrace environmentally responsible practices in all phases of our business. Fiberrific is 100% natural with no chemicals of any kind used in the manufacturing process. The bottles are fully recyclable and orders to your local store are packed in recyclable cartons.