Fiber deficiency and colonic disorders

About this book

Abstract: Decreases in dietary fiber, characteristic of the Western diet, have been implicated in colonic disorders including polyps, diverticulosis, and cancer. The mechanisms whereby fiber deficiencies contribute to bowel disease are reviewed. Clinical observations indicate that adding fiber to the diet promotes regular bowel function, inhibits formation of colon diverticula, and decreases transit time of digested food within the colon. Anaerobic bacteria in the colon may generate carcinogens as a result of their metabolism; this action may be inhibited by the presence of fiber in the diet. The interaction of fiber with bacteria and bile is described. Influences of dietary fiber on colon function and its role in digestion, metabolism and nutrition are investigated.