Food As Medicine and Fiber

I am back from Food As Medicine. It was a whirlwind trip, with training all day. Early mornings and late nights. I did not get to visit Restaurant Nora--it was too much to fit in. However, I did experience the best Ethiopian food I've had to date. After a full day of being reminded just how important fiber is in our diets, I was very pleased to have a restaurant meal from many colors of the rainbow and all whole food. According to a couple of our teachers at FAM, the average human in Paleolithic era consumed anywhere from 110-130 grams of dietary fiber each day. Can you imagine? The average intake of Americans is between 5 and 12 grams per day. No wonder there is so much illness. One of the reasons we need fiber is that it interrupts the bile acid re-circulation process. Contained in this bile is both cholesterol and toxins that have been cleared by the liver. If there is insufficient fiber in the GI tract, both cholesterol and toxins get reabsorbed and put back into circulation. Not good!! Fiber also slows down digestion and absorption of sugars, therefore keeping blood sugar and insulin levels steady, which decreases fat storage and keeps the appetite in check.
Just getting 50 grams of fiber each day can reverse many "dis-ease states". You can track your intake online at www.livestrong.com, which will tell you your daily fiber intake, among other nutrients. Try it out!

We had Chef Rebecca Katz' amazing dishes for lunch everyday at FAM. This was important piece. Even those of us who eat really well can learn more about how to continue optimizing. I have made a commitment to change my diet to include less grain and more veggies and beans for carbohydrate. I'll be passing this onto my clients and patients as well.

I will leave you for now with this:

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." ~unknown

Blessings and Good Health,
The Gourmet Healer