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.