By Dr. Michael Wald

We have all heard that eating a high fiber diet is a healthy thing. Is it? There are two main types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Nutritionists and doctors alike are doing away with these terms because most foods have combinations of both types of fiber. Soluble fiber is the type of fiber that dissolves when mixed with water. Insoluble fiber when mixed with water does not dissolve.

Each of these types of fibers has some similar and very different potential effects on the human body. Insoluble fiber tends to lower cholesterol. Various types of fibers are found in all variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. An individual should never supplement fiber without the help of a trained clinical nutritionist because fiber may interfere negatively with many nutritional supplements, reducing their absorption. Furthermore, fiber may adversely interfere with medications, reducing their intended affects.

However, I believe that fiber is generally safe, not to mention that prescription medications and the pro’s of eating a high fiber diet far outweigh the con’s. Increasing fiber in one’s diet can have the favorable effect of quickening detoxification in the body, particularly the colon. Fiber increases the numbers of beneficial bacteria in the body, increases one’s endogenous or in-body production of B vitamins and vitamin K, helps the colon produce anti-cancer elements, including, but not limited to, butyrate and caprylic acid. Healthy intestinal flora, namely lactobacillus acidophils, bifidus and other “healthy bugs” require fibers as a fuel source.

– Dr. Michael Wald, aka The Blood Detective, is the director of nutritional services at Integrated Medicine of Mount Kisco, located in Westchester New York. He has appeared on ABC World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer, Channel 11 PIX, Channel 12 News, CNN, The Food Network and other media outlets. Dr. Wald earned the name Blood Detective for his reputation to find problems that are often missed by other doctors. He earned an MD degree, is a doctor of chiropractic and a certified dietician-nutritionist. He is also double-board certified in nutrition. He has published over a dozen books with three additional titles due for release late 2013 including: Frankenfoods – Genetically Modified Foods: Controversies, Lies & Your Health and Gluten-A-Holic: How to Live Gluten Free and the Blood Detective’s Longevity Secrets. Dr. Wald can be reached at: www.intmedny.com or www.blooddetective.com or by calling: 914-242-8844.