Home » candidacure » FOS (Fructooligosaccharides): A Gut Flora Balancer and Sugar Substitute
FOS (Fructooligosaccharides): A Gut Flora Balancer and Sugar Substitute
Fructooligosaccharides (usually abbreviated FOS) and inulin, are terms referring to naturally-occurring, mildly sweet, indigestible carbohydrates. FOS does not affect blood sugar levels and so is suitable for diabetics and hypoglycemics. All forms of FOS act as dietary fiber, thus, consumption of FOS may help to shorten fecal transit time increase fecal bulk and reduce constipation.
FOS has also been shown to reduce both cholesterol and triglyceride levels and may provide improved absorption of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphate.
FOS is commonly extracted from chicory roots and Jerusalem artichokes (inulin occurs in relatively large quantities in these plants) but it is also found in onions, leeks, garlic, common artichokes, bananas, rye, barley, dandelion leaves, burdock root and honey. Some presence of FOS has been noted in over 36,000 plants worldwide. This is one reason why I like Advance Ambrotose so much, as it has FOS and other essential sugars in it, which increases cell-to-cell communication and allows the body's cells to work more efficiently.
FOS cannot be broken down by the human digestive system, but it can be broken down and consumed by the bacteria in the digestive tract. For this reason, FOS is considered to be a prebiotics which is a substance that provides nourishment for the good gut flora.
Prebiotics, like probiotics (such as live-culture yogurt substances actually containing bacteria beneficial to the digestive tract) help promote regularity, prevent yeast overgrowth and are beneficial for those with Crohn's disease, colitis or who are on kidney dialysis.
Note to those who bloat after eating: Make sure you purchase a high-quality brand of FOS as low-quality, nonspecific extracts of FOS will provide nourishment for friendly bacteria (Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, etc.) and pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, etc.) alike, whereas standardized extracts of long-chain inulin will selectively nourish only the friendly flora.
Sources for FOS as a sweetener: Try Just Like Sugar® from http://www.justlikesugarinc.com or Chicolin, from Bioquest Imports International, Inc. at http://www.greenalive.com/chicolin.html
Denice Moffat
Dr. Denice Moffat is a practicing naturopath, medical intuitive, and veterinarian working on the family unit (which includes humans and animals) through her phone consultation practice established in 1995. She has a content-rich website at http://www.NaturalHealthTechniques.com and free internationally distributed monthly newsletter.
Garlic (Allium Sativum)
One of the least expensive yet most effective ways to deal with parasites is to use an extract of garlic. Raw garlic and garlic extract have been shown to destroy common intestinal...
The foods we eat have a huge effect on our health, and often times, most disease and illness is created or cured by the food that we eat. There are foods to eat to prevent a yeast infection as well. Here...
Garlic (Allium Sativum)
One of the least expensive yet most effective ways to deal with parasites is to use an extract of garlic. Raw garlic and garlic extract have been shown to destroy common intestinal...
The foods we eat have a huge effect on our health, and often times, most disease and illness is created or cured by the food that we eat. There are foods to eat to prevent a yeast infection as well. Here...
