Previous studies suggest that increased fiber intake is linked with lower levels of CRP (C-reactive protein). CRP is an amino acid that, when elevated in the blood, is a biomarker for inflammation. Inflammation is associated with many chronic conditions including heart disease, GI problems (including hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome), obesity, and aging. Now a review of seven clinical trials found that all trials except one study of psyllium fiber were associated with lowering CRP concentrations.
The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, evaluated the effects of different sources of fiber on CRP concentrations. Researchers at North-West University in South Africa analyzed the data of 192 men and 362 women, as part of seven clinical trials. The sources of fiber used in the studies included fibers from oats, barley, psyllium, whole grain cereal, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds and fiber from the DASH diet. The durations of the studies ranged from 3 months to 2 years.
"This review shows that, in the presence of weight loss and modified saturated, monounsaturated fatty acid and PUFA intake, increased fibre consumption is associated with significantly lower CRP concentrations," the study authors conclude. "Further research is needed to more fully understand which types of fibre work best and which individuals are most susceptible to its anti-inflammatory effect, so that the long-term goal of reduction in cardiovascular risk can be achieved."
Avatrol Improves GI Health
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, constipation and other GI (gastrointestinal) complaints, chances are you have a low fiber diet. A low fiber diet causes decreased stool bulk, constipation and straining during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can form when intra-abdominal pressure increases from straining during defecation or from lack of stool bulk. As shown in the study above, a low fiber diet can also increase chronic inflammation.
A high-fiber diet including the use of natural plant fibers such as oat fiber, can be an effective treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Oat fiber has been used as a bulking agent to improve stool consistency and decrease the risk of constipation. Oat has also been used as a remedy for other GI problems including diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis.
Taking a natural high fiber supplement like Progressive Health's Avatrol can relieve and prevent hemorrhoid symptoms and promote circulatory and GI health. Avatrol contains a synergistic blend of clinically proven ingredients including oat fiber, horse chestnut, butcher's broom, bilberry, and cascara sagrada.
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