Like most Web sites offering basic consumer information about dietary fiber, the Medline Plus article points out that fiber is actually indigestible. Because fiber cannot be digested, it creates a sense of fullness that may help people lose weight. Moreover, the added dietary bulk or roughage is also good for colon health, overall digestion, and for the relief of constipation. Gas, bloating, and cramps are some of the possible side effects from a too-rapid increase in fiber intake. Therefore, introducing fiber into a diet should be done gradually. The Medline Plus article lists the types of foods that contain high amounts of fiber so that patients learn how to shop better for their dietary needs.
With links to reliable sources like the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Medline Plus article is a valuable resource for patients. Furthermore, the Web site includes Spanish content links. Links to the Department of Agriculture, the Mayo Clinic, and other valid sources ensures that the information contained on the Medline Plus resource is credible.
In fact, the Medline Plus Web site is unique among consumer sites in that it provides links to empirical research published in peer-reviewed journals. Articles and abstracts from the National Library of Medicine reveal some of the latest research into dietary fiber and its health benefits. A special section geared towards parents shows how to introduce fiber into children's diets too.
Spiller, G.A. (2001). CRC handbook of dietary fiber in human nutrition. CRC Press.
Spiller's (2001) comprehensive publication is for more advanced inquiries into dietary fiber. With an opening section about the historical and cultural role of fiber, the book shows how modern diets differ from pre-industrial ones. The second section of the book defines fiber, analyzes food components that are associated with or behave as fiber, and also offers a technical and chemical analysis of fiber. Although beyond the scope of a consumer-oriented book on dietary fiber, the Spiller (2001) book is a valuable resource for patients who are in the scientific or health professions. The Spiller (2001) book is also straightforward...
The Spiller (2001) book is also a terrific resource for research and is therefore appropriate for a physician's or nurse's reference. Biochemists can also benefit from learning about how to analyze fiber, especially those who might be interested in developing new food products for the health-conscious consumer market.
Health issues are addressed in depth, such as the role of fiber on fecal weight, vitamin metabolism, protein digestibility, and intestinal flora. Whole chapters delve into the way dietary fiber interacts with intestinal flora. Therefore, the Spiller (2001) book is one of the best resources for thorough information on how the human body reacts to fiber. Spiller (2001) devotes a section to how fiber can prevent and treat diseases. Epidemiology and demographics are also mentioned, and global fiber consumption and health statistics as well.
Cho, S. & Dreher, M.L., (2001). Handbook of Dietary Fiber. CRC Press.
Cho & Dreher (2001) start off by listing a series of diseases and ailments that respond particularly well to dietary fiber. What makes the first section of the Handbook remarkable is that diseases like breast cancer are included. The Cho & Dreher (2001) book is technical but because of that can be a valuable resource for professionals. In fact, health care professionals can use the book to back up information they find online. The chemical analysis of fiber and its interaction with other foods comprises the bulk of the Cho & Dreher (2001) book content.
Interestingly, the Cho & Dreher (2001) book also includes a fascinating analysis of the cross-cultural applications of fiber including issues related to the agriculture industry. Barley, sugar beets, and pectin are included as are gum arabic. Global consumption statistics help offer a snapshot of different consumption patterns. Researchers and patients alike can benefit from the analysis because it reveals how diet is a key variable in epidemiology. When working with diverse populations, health care workers can use a resource like Cho & Dreher's (2001) book.
