`slow No Wake' Limit Maintained At Lake 
Fish And Boat Commission 
Votes Unanimously After 
Accepting Recommendation Of 
Boating Advisory Board

All Or Nothing 
Jarrett's Fortunes At Pocono Raceway 
In The Past Year Have Been Extreme

Monday, July 22, 1996 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 





Fiber helps fight disease &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 There has been significant interest in dietary fiber during the last few
decades, as evidenced by the abundant advice offered by physicians, health
food stores, drugstores, dietitians and health magazinesLow-fiber diets have
been implicated as a negative factor in several disorders: colon cancer, other
gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, obesity, coronary artery disease, and
elevated blood fat levels. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fiber encompasses an array of substances that cannot be digested by the
human intestine. It is mainly of plant origin and occurs in the cell walls of
such foods as vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts. Animal tissue also
contains some fiber. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Plant food fiber constitutes most of the non-digestible food residue that
undergoes bacterial fermentation. This process, which occurs mainly or solely
in the colon, results in gas. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The water-holding capacity of food fiber results from entrapment of water
in the cellular structure or absorption on the surface of fiber cells. This
enables undigested food residue in the colon to form bulk and increased stool
volume and weight. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 For anyone on a low-fiber (typical Western) diet, the average stool weight
is approximately 120 grams per day. In a Third World country such as Uganda,
it is reported to be three times as much. The average fiber intake in Western
countries is about 20 grams per day, whereas it is much higher in
underdeveloped countries. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Various diseases prevalent in the industrialized West have been linked to
the low-fiber diets that have been slowly introduced over the past century.
Studies all point to dietary rather than genetic factors as elements
responsible for the diseases. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Constipation, a condition of modern Western civilization, is rare in rural,
underdeveloped nations. On a low-fiber diet, bowel transit time ranges from 72
to 96 hours, whereas on a high-fiber diet, it ranges from 36 to 48 hours.
Fiber leads to formation of bulkier stools with higher water content and
softer consistency. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Hemorrhoids are usually a result of constipation. This condition is
uncommon in rural African populations and fairly common in the West. Although
the cause of hemorrhoids is disputed, it is not disputed that it can be
remedied by increasing fiber intake. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Diverticular disease is a relatively new entity that appeared in the early
20th century. It is postulated that this disorder occurs in approximately 35
percent of all people over age 60. It is rare, however, in the underdeveloped
areas of the world, where higher fiber intake is the norm. Diverticular
disease may result in obstruction, infection, bleeding and perforation of the
intestines. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Studies have shown that there is a close relationship of colon cancer with
the industrialization of the West and the subsequent change in lifestyle and
eating habits. Several arguments have been presented to explain how fiber is
protective. These include increased stool volume, dilution of cancer-causing
agents, shortened bowel transit time, lowered stool acidity and formation of
butyrate, which protects the colon cells. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Studies have linked gallstone formation with lack of fiber intake. Dietary
fiber seems to modify the absorption rates of fatty acids and cholesterol.
Various dietary fibers bind bile acids and cholesterol, which are eliminated
in the stool. Diets rich in soluble fiber lower serum cholesterol by 20
percent to 30 percent. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The labeling of thousands of food items now inlcudes fiber content. For
those who are unable to tolerate additional increases in dietary fiber,
commercial fiber preparations are available. Start with a given amount of one
of these products and then increase or decrease the dosage until the desired
results are obtained. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Herbert M. Weinman of Dallas is a family physician and vice president of
Provider Services for Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fiber Helps Fight Disease 
There Has Been Significant Interest In Dietary Fiber During The Last Few 
Decades, As Evidenced By The Abundant Advice Offered By Physicians, Health 
Food Stores, Drugstores, Dietitians And Health Magazines.

Fiber Helps Fight Disease There Has Been Significant Interest In Dietary Fiber During The Last Few Decades, As Evidenced By The Abundant Advice Offered By Physicians, Health Food Stores, Drugstores, Dietitians And Health Magazines.