The Need for Dietary Fiber or Roughage in Natural Health

We have learned that roughage or dietary fiber is essential to good health. What exactly is roughage or dietary fiber? It is the undigestible part of plants.

When most of us think about dieting and nutrition we first think of calories because they are those things we're always counting. Our thoughts include those of how fats, proteins, carbs, etc. figure into the equation of living a healthy lifestyle. Interestingly enough, dietary fiber or roughage is often forgotten. Even so, getting enough the dietary fiber is of utmost importance in maintaining a healthy body. It helps to absorb water and have the proper elimination of waste and also plays a big part in the absorption of other chemicals and nutrients in the body.

The functions of the stomach and intestines also need the benefits from roughage or dietary fiber of which there are two types: Insoluble fiber and soluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber increases bulk that the stomach and intestines need to maintain their functions.

This fiber also helps to prevent constipation. Adding fiber to your diet can help to absorb water and form bulky stools when suffering from diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

Eating a high fiber diet also lessens the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids, diverticulitis and diverticulosis. Roughage also helps to regulate blood cholesterol levels.