Dietary fiber includes all food substances that our digestive enzymes cannot break down and utilize as energy. All fiber falls into two basic categories water-soluble and water-insoluble which are further divided into five subclasses: cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and gum. The health benefits of both soluble and insoluble fiber have been well documented. While the body may extract and use some of the nutrients contained in fiber, its primary purpose is to help the bowels function efficiently. The basic fiber structure passes through the digestive tract to flush the intestines and give more bulk to the stool. Soluble fiber may be found in oats, pectin, guar, barley, beans and sea vegetables. Soluble fiber is characteristically sticky and meshes with water to form gels. In addition, soluble fiber helps maintain normal cholesterol to manufacture even more bile salts. Insoluble fibers are typically found in wheat bran, whole grains, skins of fruits and vegetables, and nuts. Insoluble fiber absorbs large amounts of water, stimulates the intestinal tract, and provides gastrointestinal benefits. National food surveys reveal that the average American consumes only one-third of the fiber they need. While the Food Pyramid recommends five servings per day to fresh fruits and vegetables, the average consumption is closer to two. The average low fiber diet provides only 10 to 13 grams of fiber daily; current guidelines call for 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. You can increase your dietary fiber intake by including a high-fiber cereal for breakfast, choosing brown rice instead of white, eating two to three pieces of fresh fruit with skins, and by adding high-fiber supplements to your diet. Digestive Aids - proper digestion is one of the body s most important physiological functions in maintaining overall health and wellness. Maintaining normal digestion aids in proper absorption and elimination. Natural emulsifying agents and digestive enzymes are excellent aids to the