Studies show that in addition to its role in disease prevention and healthy weight loss, fiber helps absorb toxins in the digestive tract and eliminate them through the bowel, which is one reason why the majority of experts recommend eating 25 to 35 grams of fiber every day (both soluble and insoluble) for overall health.

Soluble fiber (found in fruits, beans, oats, legumes and nuts) acts like a kitchen sponge, literally soaking up toxins as it passes through your digestive tract and capturing them in order to prevent them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream.

Insoluble fiber - often called “roughage” – passes through the intestines virtually intact, helping to “sweep” the colon free of debris by removing toxins from the intestinal wall. It also tones the bowel muscles by creating resistance and stimulating peristalsis (the natural muscle contractions that move food through your intestines). Peristalsis is necessary for healthy elimination, and healthy elimination is an important step in ridding toxins from the body. Sources of insoluble fiber include wheat bran, whole grains, and fruit and vegetable skins.

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