Other names for Fiber
benicaros
crude fiber
dietary fiber
dietary fiber, hydrolized
fiber
fiber, hydrolyzed
fiber, insoluble
fibersmart
fibersol-2
fiber, soluble
fructooligosaccharides prebiotic fiber
hypo-allergenic plant fiber
litesse fiber
nutraflora prebiotic fiber
nutraflora short-chain fructooligosaccharides prebiotic fiber
plant fiber
plant fiber, natural
prebiotic
prebiotic fiber
propol
solube tapioca fiber
soluble fiber maltodextrin
soluble tapioca fiber
sunfiber
sunfiber ag
total dietary fiber
total fiber
total fibers
vegetable fiber
Fiber (unspecified)
Fiber Blend
fiber blend (proprietary)
kelp fiber
Lemon Fiber
Oat Fiber
peach fiber
prebiotic fiber
short-chain FOS prebiotic fiber
Soy Fiber
Sugar Cane Fiber
Sugarcance fiber
Tapioca fiber
Vegetable Fiber (unspecified)
kelp fiber
Lemon Fiber
Oat Fiber
peach fiber
prebiotic fiber
short-chain FOS prebiotic fiber
Soy Fiber
kelp fiber
Lemon Fiber
Oat Fiber
peach fiber
prebiotic fiber
short-chain FOS prebiotic fiber
Soy Fiber
Sugar Cane Fiber
Sugar Cane Fiber
Sugarcance fiber
Sugarcance fiber
Tapioca fiber
Tapioca fiber
Vegetable Fiber (unspecified)
Vegetable Fiber (unspecified)
Synopsis of Fiber
History
For centuries, fiber has played a vital role in traditional medicinal practices across cultures. Ancient civilizations, such as those in Egypt, Greece, and China, recognized the health benefits of consuming fiber-rich plant materials. Early physicians often prescribed whole grains, bran, seeds, and fibrous vegetables to address digestive complaints, particularly constipation. Hippocrates, the famed Greek physician, recommended high-fiber foods for regular bowel movements, a practice echoed by herbalists and healers throughout history.
In folk remedies, fiber was commonly used to soothe digestive discomfort, promote satiety, and support toxin elimination from the body. Psyllium husk, flaxseed, and slippery elm are just a few examples of fibrous botanicals traditionally employed to promote gut health. These remedies often called for mixing fiber sources with water or herbal teas, creating soothing, bulk-forming preparations that aided in gentle cleansing and regularity.
Fiber’s benefits were further amplified in herbal combinations. Herbalists often blended fiber-rich ingredients with carminative herbs like fennel, peppermint, or ginger. This synergistic approach enhanced digestive comfort, reduced bloating, and increased the overall therapeutic effect. Additionally, combining fiber with detoxifying herbs, such as dandelion root or burdock, was believed to support liver health and systemic cleansing.
Modern research continues to affirm the wisdom of these traditional practices, highlighting fiber’s positive contributions to digestive health, cardiovascular wellness, and blood sugar balance. As both a standalone ingredient and a component of herbal formulas, fiber remains an invaluable tool for promoting overall well-being, reflecting its enduring legacy in natural medicine.
Traditional and scientific validation
Dietary fiber, found naturally in plant-based foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, has a long-standing history of use in human nutrition. Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient diets were rich in fibrous plant materials, and traditional diets worldwide have typically included substantial fiber content. Over the past several decades, scientific interest in fiber has grown significantly, with numerous studies examining its health benefits.
Clinical research has consistently associated higher fiber intake with improved digestive health, including the prevention and management of constipation. Additionally, epidemiological studies suggest that diets rich in fiber may help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. For example, a landmark meta-analysis published in The Lancet (2019) demonstrated that people consuming higher levels of fiber had lower rates of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.
Fiber is also recognized for its ability to support healthy cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, and promote satiety, which can assist with weight management. Despite these promising findings, it is important to note that while associations are strong, direct causality and the magnitude of specific health effects can vary, and further research is warranted to clarify fiber’s role in disease prevention and treatment.
Nevertheless, the positive contributions of dietary fiber to overall health are well-supported, and leading health organizations recommend increased fiber consumption as part of a balanced diet. Ongoing research continues to explore the full potential and mechanisms of fiber in human health.
Fiber is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Scientific)
Acid Indigestion (Scientific)
Anal Fistula or Fissure (Scientific)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Scientific)
Blood in Stool (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Colitis (Scientific)
Colon (atonic) (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Scientific)
Crohn's Disease (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Diverticulitis (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Scientific)
Gall Stones (Scientific)
Gas and Bloating (Scientific)
Gastritis (Scientific)
Hemorrhoids (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Fiber is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Gums (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Rectum (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)
Stomach (Scientific)
