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Diet is a major factor in 5 of the 10 leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. These diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the United States. Over half the calories consumed in this country are from refined foods, from which the bran, germ, and oil have been removed. The average intake of fiber is only 11gm per day, compared to the daily recommended intake of 20 to 30gm. Fiber is important in the prevention of constipation, diverticulosis, colon polyps, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, appendicitis, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcer disease and probably colon cancer.
Source
Soluble fiber consists of the plant's sticky components, including pectins, gum, and mucilage. Soluble fiber comes from the plant's skeleton, which consists of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Foods containing water soluble fiber include fruit, vegetables, oats, barley, wheat, whole grains, cereals, legumes, and psyllium.
The following chart lists good sources of fiber (food type, serving size, amount of fiber):- Oatmeal (3/4 cup) - 2.7gm
- All Bran or Bran Buds cereals (1/3 cup) - 9.0gm
- Bran flakes (3/4 cup) - 4.5gm
- Whole wheat pasta (1 cup) - 5.0gm
- Brown rice (1 cup) - 3.0gm
- Whole wheat bread (1 slice) - 2.0 to 3.0gm
- Rye crackers (40gm; 3 crackers) - 5.0gm
- Flax seed, wheat bran (1 tbsp) - 1.5gm
- Garbanzo beans or Chickpeas (1/2 cup) - 3.5gm
- Kidney beans (1/2 cup) - 9.0gm
- Lentils (1/2 cup) - 3.0gm
- Baked beans (1/2 cup) - 7.0gm
- Peanut butter (2 tbsp) - 2.0gm
- Almonds (10 nuts; 1/4 cup) - 4.0gm
- Sunflower seeds (2 tbsp) - 2.0gm
- Corn (1/2 cup) - 2.0gm
- Peas (1/2 cup) - 3.5gm
- Spinach (1/2 cup) - 3.0gm
- Broccoli (1/2 cup) - 2.5gm
- Cauliflower (1/2 cup) - 1.7gm
- Carrots (1/2 cup) - 2.0gm
- Beans, green and waxed (1/2 cup) - 2.0gm
- Sweet potato (1 small) - 3.5gm
- Potato with skin (1 small) - 3.0gm
- Banana (1 medium) - 2.0gm
- Pear (1/2 cup; half pear) - 2.5gm
- Apple (1 medium) - 3.0gm
- Orange (1 small) - 2.5gm
- Blueberries (1/2 cup) - 2.5gm
- Berries (1/2 cup) - 4.0gm
Reasons For Use
Most plant foods provide insoluble fiber also. Water insoluble fiber assists in maintaining regular bowel movements, but may have an adverse or detrimental effect on irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. Soluble fiber may be beneficial in atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dumping syndrome, and gallstones.
Soluble fiber is fermented by colonic microflora resulting in the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyric acid. In addition to promoting beneficial SCFA production and intestinal motility, dietary fiber can help to bind endotoxins and facilitate their elimination via the bowel.
Different types of fiber may have protective benefit in various bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer and other conditions such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and obesity. The fiber of choice for irritable bowel syndrome is methylcellulose or polycarbophil; for diverticulosis is psyllium, methylcellulose or polycarbophil; for colorectal cancer is psyllium, pectin or guar gum; for diabetes any supplement; for hypercholesterolemia psyllium, pectin or guar gum; and for obesity any supplement as tolerated.
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High/Increased Fiber Diet can help with the following: | | | | | Autoimmune |  Ulcerative Colitis | Approach a high fiber diet cautiously during periods of inflammation, as it may aggravate the condition. As you stabilize, fiber and unrefined foods are important to continue the health of the colon.
A study found Plantago ovata seed (the whole psyllium seed, not just the husk) at 10gm bid to be as effective as the drug mesalamine for maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. In addition, the Plantago ovata seed may help prevent colon cancer, a common complication of ulcerative colitis, because it increases colonic butyrate levels. |
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Circulation |
Hypertension (High Blood PRessure)| | A study suggests that oatmeal can improve blood pressure and reduce drug costs for 60 million hypertensive Americans. The study found that 73% of participants, each of whom who ate oat cereal daily for 12 weeks, were able to reduce or eliminate their need for blood pressure medication. Consumption of high-fiber cereals is an easy and simple way for a person to increase total and soluble fiber intakes, thus helping to reach the dietary fiber goal of 25-30gm per day. [Preventive Medicine in Managed Care; March 1, 2002] |
Atherosclerosis
 Varicose Veins |
Diet |
 Inadequate Fiber Intake
Fat/Oil Craving| | Foods high in dietary fiber such as bran cereals and wholemeal breads are suggested as ideal tools for dampening a fat craving. |
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Digestion |
Hemorrhoids| | Both soluble and insoluble fibers are important in helping to maintain regular bowel movements. Insoluble fiber prevents and manages problems like constipation and hemorrhoids by producing a larger softer stool that passes through the digestive system faster and more easily. |
Rapid Stomach Emptying (Gastric Dumping)
Diverticular Disease| | A high fiber diet can help relieve symptoms for most people with diverticulosis. The suggested daily total should be 20-35gm. Both soluble and insoluble fibers are important in helping to maintain regular bowel movements. Complications from intestinal diseases such as diverticulosis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are prevented by a diet rich in high fiber foods.
The fiber supplements of choice for diverticulosis are psyllium, methylcellulose or polycarbophil. These are available over-the-counter in commercial products such as Metamucil (psyllium), Citrucel (methylcellulose) and Fibercon (polycarbophil), among others.
If you suspect that your diverticulosis has turned into diverticulitis, call your doctor and restrict fiber until instructed otherwise. |
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)| | Dietary fiber may lessen IBS symptoms in many cases. High-fiber diets may cause gas and bloating, but within a few weeks these symptoms often go away as the body adjusts to the diet: IBS can be treated in most cases simply by increasing the intake of dietary fiber and eliminating food allergies.
The synthetic polymers methylcellulose and polycarbophil have been found to be the most effective fibers or bulk-forming laxatives for use in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Neither are found naturally in food sources. Methylcellulose is used as a food additive/thickener. Both are available over the counter in commercial products such as Citrucel (methylcellulose) and Fibercon (polycarbophil), among others. |
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Environment / Toxicity |
Heavy Metal Toxicity| | Sodium alginate as well as other gel-forming fibers have been shown to inhibit heavy metal uptake in the gut. |
Mercury Toxicity (Amalgam Illness)| | Sodium alginate as well as other gel-forming fibers have been shown to inhibit heavy metal uptake in the gut. |
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Lab Values |
High Total Cholesterol| | The fiber supplements of choice for hypercholesterolemia are psyllium, pectin or guar gum. The amount of pectin in approximately two servings of fruit rich in pectin such as pears, apples, grapefruit, and oranges is 15gm. Psyllium or guar gum are obtained by supplement. The RDA for total fiber is 20-30gm. The fiber from whole grains - especially oats - does have a cholesterol-lowering effect, especially in someone on a previously low fiber diet.
Three months of supplementation with ground flax seed at 40gm per day reduced serum total cholesterol in a study of postmenopausal women. [J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002;87(4): pp.1527-32] |
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Metabolic |
Hypoglycemia
Problems Caused By Being Overweight| | An increasing number of studies suggest that any water-soluble fiber may help people lose weight. High fiber foods are bulky, low in calories, and take longer to chew contributing to weight loss and maintenance. Both types of fiber also help to create a feeling of fullness from meals (resulting in fewer calories being consumed from calorie-dense fats and sweets), stabilize blood sugar and maintain energy levels.
Good results in weight loss studies have been achieved with guar gum, a water-soluble fiber obtained from the Indian cluster bean (cyamopsis tetragonoloba). In one study, nine women weighing between 160 and 242 pounds (73 to 110kg) were given 10gm of guar gum immediately before lunch and dinner. They were told not to consciously alter their eating habits. After two months, the women reported an average weight loss of 9.4 pounds (4.3kg) - over 1 pound per week. |
Syndrome X| | Any fiber choice is useful for Syndrome X sufferers, but psyllium, pectin or guar gum would offer the additional benefit of lowering cholesterol. The amount of pectin in approximately two servings of pectin rich fruit such as pears, apples, grapefruit, and oranges is 15 grams. Psyllium or guar gum are obtained by supplement. The RDA of total fiber is 20-30 grams. |
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Organ Health |
Consequences of Gallbladder Surgery| | Dietary fiber (which is only present in plant foods) will combine and deactivate bile acids, thus protecting the bowel. |
Diabetes Type II| | Research has shown that fiber helps to stabilize and lower blood sugar levels. Both soluble and insoluble fibers delay the emptying of food from the stomach, slow the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, and thus moderate insulin levels. A diet high in complex carbohydrates and fiber helps increase tissue sensitivity to insulin, and a diet high in fiber-rich foods should also help those with diabetes to lose and maintain a healthy body weight.
Any form of fiber will be beneficial, so choose those that you most easily tolerate. When soluble fiber ferments during digestion it produces 'short chain fatty acids' that increase the metabolism of glucose and thus may add to the beneficial effects of dietary fiber on diabetes. |
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Parasites |
Giardiasis Infection| | Nutritional intervention aims to reduce the acute symptoms of giardia and help clear the infection. This can best be achieved by consuming a whole-food based, high-fiber diet that is low in fat, lactose, and refined sugars.
Dietary fiber probably plays an important role in the clearance of giardia infection. One study found that animals consuming a low-fiber diet were found to be significantly more likely to contract giardiasis than were animals on a high-fiber diet. When infected animals on the low-fiber diet were put on the high-fiber diet, trophozoites were cleared from the small bowel. The number of trophozoites attached to the jejunal epithelium decreased, while the number associated with the mucous layer increased. The authors of the study concluded that the fiber induced an increase in mucous secretion and, in combination with the bulk movement of insoluble fiber, reduced trophozoite attachment to the intestinal mucosa and decreased the probability of trophozoites establishing and maintaining mucosal colonization. |
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Skin-Hair-Nails |
Psoriasis |
Uro-Genital |
Female Infertility |
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High/Increased Fiber Diet can help prevent the following: | | | | | Circulation | Coronary Disease / Heart Attack| | A high-fiber diet, particularly one that is high in water-soluble fiber (such as fruit), is associated with decreased risk of both fatal and nonfatal heart attacks, probably because presence of such fiber is known to lower cholesterol. Numerous studies have linked diets rich in fiber with low levels of cholesterol. In particular, soluble fiber alters and lowers fat and cholesterol absorption in the large bowel, helping to reduce LDL, the ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Fiber-rich foods are also good sources of phytochemicals and anti-oxidants that help to lower the risk for heart disease. Blood pressure, a major heart disease risk factor, may also be reduced by eating diet rich in fiber, further helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Making positive dietary changes immediately following a heart attack is likely to decrease one’s chance of having a second heart attack. In one study, individuals began eating more vegetables and fruits, and substituted fish, nuts, and legumes for meat and eggs 24 to 48 hours after a heart attack. Six weeks later, the diet group had significantly fewer fatal and nonfatal heart attacks than a similar group that did not make these dietary changes. This trend continued for an additional six weeks. |
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Organ Health |
Gallbladder Disease |
Tumors, Malignant |
Colon Cancer| | The Canadian Cancer Society recommends a higher fiber and lower fat diet to help lower the risk of cancer, especially colon and rectal cancers. |
Cancer, General| | The Canadian Cancer Society recommends a higher fiber and lower fat diet to help lower the risk of cancer, especially colon and rectal cancers. Diets high in fiber are also rich in anti-cancer compounds such as anti-oxidants and phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Atherosclerosis
Common form of arteriosclerosis associated with the formation of atheromas which are deposits of yellow plaques containing cholesterol, lipids, and lipophages within the intima and inner media of arteries. This results in a narrowing of the arteries, which reduces the blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain as well as to other parts of the body and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or loss of function or gangrene of other tissues.
BID
Twice per day.
Bile
A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released when fat enters the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in order to aid digestion.
Butyrate
Butyrate is an important short chain fatty acid that provides fuel for colon cells and may help protect against colon cancer. The most potent dietary source is butter (3%).
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Colitis
Colon inflammation, usually involving the mucus membranes. Mucus colitis is a type with cramps, periods of constipation, and copious discharge of mucus with feces. Ulcerative colitis has pain, inflammation, ulceration, fever, and bleeding, all interspersed at various times - a long and serious illness.
Colon (Colonic)
The part of the large intestine that extends to the rectum. The colon takes the contents of the small intestine, moving them to the rectum by contracting.
Colorectal Cancer
A cancerous tumor of the large intestine. It is marked by dark, sticky stools containing blood and a change in bowel habits.
Complex Carbohydrate (Complex Carbohydrates)
Includes indigestible molecules of fiber (e.g. starch and glycogen). Slowly releases sugar into the bloodstream and also adds the fiber.
Constipation (Constipated)
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.
Crave (Craving, Cravings)
To have a strong desire for; to feel the need for.
Crohn's Disease (Crohn's)
Chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia.
Cup (Cups)
A unit of volume measurement equal to 8 fluid oz, or roughly 250ml. It also equals 1/2 pint, 1/4 quart and 1/16 gallon.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Dietary Fiber (Insoluble Fiber, Insoluble Fibers, Soluble Fiber, Soluble Fibers)
There are two types of dietary fiber - soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber acts like a sponge; it absorbs water and moves solid waste out of the intestines. It is found mainly in whole grains and on the outside of seeds, fruits, and legumes. Soluble fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, brown rice, barley, oats and oat bran. It forms a gel when mixed with liquid producing a softer stool. It also prevents and reduces the absorption of certain substances from the intestines into the bloodstream.
Diverticular Disease (Diverticulitis, Diverticulosis)
Some people develop small pouches (diverticula) that bulge outward through weak spots in the colon. Diverticulosis is the condition of having these pouches; diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection in these pouches. The conditions diverticulosis and diverticulitis are both referred to as diverticular disease. Diverticulosis may not cause any symptoms but could include mild cramps, bloating and constipation - all of which are common to other conditions such as IBS or ulcers. The most common symptoms of diverticulitis are abdominal pain and tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen. When infection is the cause, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping and constipation may also occur.
Fatty Acids (Fatty Acid)
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.
Flax (Flax Oil, Flax Seed)
Flax Seed or Flax Oil. Flax oil is nutty-flavored oil that is pressed out of flax seeds and is one of the richest sources of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), a vital element for good health. The oil making process removes many of the seed's phytoestrogens which offer several health-related benefits including reducing the risk of cancer and alleviating menopausal symptoms. Many choose to use the whole seed because of its fiber and lignan content. Flaxseed oil is light- and temperature-sensitive and must be stored in the refrigerator.
Gallstone (Biliary Calculus, Gall Stone, Gall Stones, Gallbladder Attack, Gallbladder Attacks, Gallstones)
Stone-like objects in either the gallbladder or bile ducts, composed mainly of cholesterol and occasionally mixed with calcium. Most gallstones do not cause problems until they become larger or they begin obstructing bile ducts, at which point gallbladder "attacks" begin to occur. Symptoms usually occur after a fatty meal and at night. The following are the most common ones: steady, severe pain in the middle-upper abdomen or below the ribs on the right; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; pain under the right shoulder; nausea; vomiting; fever; chills; jaundice; abdominal bloating; intolerance of fatty foods; belching or gas; indigestion.
Gastric
Of, relating to, or associated with the stomach.
Giardiasis (Giardia)
An intestinal tract infection caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa now common to much of the world. It is not normally a very serious infection, but nevertheless unpleasant.
Glucose
A sugar that is the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar. The body breaks down carbohydrates in foods into glucose, which serves as the primary fuel for the muscles and the brain.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Hemorrhoids
Varicose disorder causing painful swellings at the anus; piles.
Hiatal Hernia (Hiatal Hernias)
Hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm (a diaphragmatic hiatus). This is a common problem and most people are not bothered by it. A hernia may allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus ("food pipe"), where it can cause problems. The most common symptom is burning in your chest (heartburn), especially at night when you are lying down. Other possible signs include burping and trouble swallowing.
Hypercholesterolemia
Excess cholesterol in the blood.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin stimulates the liver, muscles, and fat cells to remove glucose from the blood for use or storage.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A condition that causes upset intestines for a long period of time. It is very unpleasant to the sufferer but tends to be harmless and usually does not lead to more serious complaints. The symptoms vary from person to person and from day to day. In order to be diagnosed with IBS, a person must have at least three of the following symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen; bloating; constipation; diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation; nausea; loss of appetite; tummy rumbling; flatulence; mucous in stools; indigestion; constant tiredness; frequent urination; low back pain; painful intercourse for women.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.
Laxative (Laxatives)
A substance (food, herb, chemical) that stimulates evacuation of the bowels. Examples include cascara sagrada, senna, castor oil, aloe vera, bisacodyl, phenolphthalein and many others.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Also known as "bad" cholesterol, LDLs are large, dense, protein-fat particles composed of a moderate proportion of protein and a high proportion of cholesterol. Higher levels of LDLs are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Motility
Capacity for spontaneous movement, frequently in reference to the intestine.
Mucilage
Preparation consisting of a solution in water of the viscous principles of plants; used as a soothing application to mucous membranes.
Mucous Membranes (Mucosa, Mucous Membrane, Mucus Membranes)
The membranes, such as the mouth, nose, anus, and vagina, that line the cavities and canals of the body which communicate with the air.
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
Peptic Ulcer (Duodenal Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcers, Gastric Ulcer, Gastric Ulcers, Peptic Ulcers)
A general term for gastric ulcers (stomach) and duodenal ulcers (duodenum), open sores in the stomach or duodenum caused by digestive juices and stomach acid. Most ulcers are no larger than a pencil eraser, but they can cause tremendous discomfort and pain. They occur most frequently in the 60 to 70 age group, and slightly more often in men than in women. Doctors now know that there are two major causes of ulcers: most often patients are infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); others are regular users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which include common products like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Phytochemicals (Phytochemical)
Substances such as vitamins and minerals that occur naturally in plants and have been shown in research to possibly prevent or cure disease.
Polyp (Polyps)
A usually nonmalignant growth or tumor protruding from the mucous lining of an organ such as the nose, bladder or intestine, often causing obstruction.
Postmenopause (Postmenopausal)
The postmenopausal phase of a woman's life begins when 12 full months have passed since the last menstrual period and any menopausal symptoms have become milder and/or less frequent.
Pound (lb, lbs)
454 grams, or about half a kilogram.
RDA (RDAs, US RDA, USRDA)
Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins or other nutrients as determined by the FDA. U.S. RDAs are more widely used than RDAs, and focus on 3 age groups: Infants of 0-12 months; Children of 1-4 years; Adults and children of more than 4 years.
Refined Sugar (Refined Sugars)
The term 'refined sugar' includes not only the "sugar" listed in ingredient listings, but also brown sugar, glucose, fructose and dextrose. Obvious sources include jams and jellies; hidden sources are often mayonnaise, ketchup, salad dressings and other condiments.
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.
Small Intestine (Small Bowel)
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 6 meters (20 feet) long and its primary function is to digest (break down) food and absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats). The small intestine makes up more than 70% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Sodium
An essential mineral that our bodies regulate and conserve. Excess sodium retention increases the fluid volume (edema) and low sodium leads to less fluid and relative dehydration. The adult body averages a total content of over 100 grams of sodium, of which a surprising one-third is in bone. A small amount of sodium does get into cell interiors, but this represents only about ten percent of the body content. The remaining 57 percent or so of the body sodium content is in the fluid immediately surrounding the cells, where it is the major cation (positive ion). The role of sodium in the extracellular fluid is maintaining osmotic equilibrium (the proper difference in ions dissolved in the fluids inside and outside the cell) and extracellular fluid volume. Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone and nutrient transport. All of these functions are interrelated with potassium.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Stroke (Stroke-Type Event)
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Tablespoon (Tablespoons, tbsp)
Equivalent to 15cc (15ml).
Ulcerative Colitis (Colitis Ulcerosa)
Ulceration of the colon and rectum, usually long-term and characterized by rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, frequent urgent diarrhea/bowel movements each day, abdominal pain.
Varicose Veins
Twisted, widened veins with incompetent valves.
Last updated: Oct 08, 2008
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