Our health is greatly determined by what happens inside our bodies. When our internal organs function at their optimum and our metabolic processes are running smoothly, this can be considered as having sound inner health. And when we have sound inner health, it will definitely manifest itself externally as a general appearance and feeling of wellness.
Inner health is influenced by a variety of factors like diet, physical activity and lifestyle choices in general. The food we eat, for instance, influences the level of sugar and cholesterol in our blood which, when it reaches an excessive level, may make us susceptible to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular ailments.
Fortunately, Mother Nature has given us a treasure trove of wonders to help the body expel undesirable elements from its system. One of them is fiber, which is already part of our diet when we eat fruits, vegetables, and oats, among others. But the modern diet, which is high in carbohydrates and protein, is often lacking in fiber content. According to the US-based National Fiber Council (NFC), adults usually just consume half of the 32 grams of fiber that is recommended each day.
Hence, supplementation may be needed to fill the gap. Clinical studies have revealed that psyllium, from the shrub-like herb Plantago ovata, has one of the highest contents of fiber when compared to other sources. Psyllium is a good source of both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. “Both are needed for a strong bill of health,” says the US-based National Fiber Council. In the Philippines, the C-Lium Fibre brand, is derived from 100 percent psyllium fiber from the plant’s husk.
The most apparent benefit of Psyllium is its promotion of gastrointestinal health. It works by increasing volume and water content of the stool, encouraging regularity. Fiber also binds with toxins, cholesterol and fat, expelling them out from the system. This means that a person who takes fiber everyday may have reduced risks for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
In a study published in the Current Topics of Nutraceutical Research (2009; Vol 7, No.2), reviewers concluded that “strong scientific evidence exists that regular consumption of Psyllium provides modest reductions in blood levels of LDL cholesterol as well as total cholesterol.”
Aside from this, Psyllium also helps promote a balanced intestinal flora, which helps in the promotion of intestinal health. “Fiber,” says Dr. Alejandro Junger, author of Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body’s Natural Ability to Heal Itself (2009) “feeds good bacteria” by being the latter’s fuel source.
With its multitude of health benefits, fiber is indeed vital to a person’s diet. To introduce Psyllium fiber into your system, simply mix one sachet or 1 tablespoon of C-Lium Fibre in its husk form with half a glass of water or your favorite beverage. Take another glass of water immediately after. If in capsule form, take five C-Lium Fibre capsules twice a day. Drink a full glass of water after taking the capsules. It is recommended to take C-Lium Fibre 30 minutes before meals. Regular daily intake is also recommended.
Taking care of one’s inner health may seem a challenge considering the many unhealthy lifestyle choices one is offered every day. But by taking charge of what you eat, paying attention to good nutrition that includes the right amount of fiber, and not to mention being active and minimizing stress, you definitely get to live healthier and live more!
C-Lium Fibre is available in supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.