Fiber Menace: The Truth About The Leading Role Of Fiber In Diet Failure, Constipation, Hemorrhoids, Etc.

Prior to reading Fiber Menace, I had accepted that dietary fiber was not only helpful for dealing with digestive disorders and forming stools, but that it was innately required by our digestive track without exception. To avoid fiber is foolish, right? After all, without fiber, how on earth will you form stools? This book will grab you by the shoulders and shake those crazy thoughts out of your head, which you've likely acquired from family, friends, teachers, or nutritional authorities.The topics are well written and laid out in a highly organized manner, from cover to cover, which makes this book an easy read. Whether your are a layman (such as myself) or an expert in human biology, this book is too good to pass up. Konstantin Monastyrsky makes use of a combination of research studies, statistics, and most importantly solid logic. Such an example (one of many) is when he challenges the assertion that certain foods, such as dairy, cause constipation: the only component of any food that reaches the large intestine undigested (to promote constipation) is fiber; the rest is absorbed into the body. (There is the exception of "food ash", but it is insignificantly small.) No amount of appealing to authority or pulling out statistics can invalidate such a simple and solid logical argument. This is a theme I've noticed throughout the book, and fiber (indigestible material) is always the culprit.Not only was fiber and its role on digestive disorders covered, but Monastyrsky also covered human anatomy, biochemistry, carbohydrates, and other general topics about health and nutrition. By doing so, he makes few assumptions about his reader and starts from the basics to allow the reader to follow along with little confusion. He makes it clear that the conclusions which claim the benefits of dietary fiber are at best incomplete, and at worst outright fallacious. Fiber, like a drug, only masks the symptoms of a greater and more serious underlying digestive problem. The longer you ignore the problem, the more difficult it will be to reverse it. Just like taking statins does not transform someone into a healthy individual, neither does supplementing your diet with fiber and intentionally eating fiber-rich foods. Hiding the symptoms is not a cure for anything. After reading this book, you'll wonder how such a goofy concept of stuffing your digestive track with indigestible material can be taken seriously.I would rather give this book a 4.5 out of 5, but since I had to choose 4 or 5, I chose the latter. Here are the reasons why I cannot (in spirit) give this book a perfect score:1) There were several typos throughout the entire book. I counted at least six of them. Some were minor, and others were a bit embarrassing. None of the typos affected the accuracy of the topics, and I understand that no one is perfect. After all, I've read materials that have even greater typos, such as a book that says 1 mg is equal to 1/100 mcg! Talk about a huge and dangerous overshoot! Even the famous Merck Home edition is not immune from its own share of typos and mistakes.2) Some critics of this book might find it "redundant". I don't mind at all, since repetition is one of the best ways of attaining and storing new information. The book is about fiber, so it is only natural that all chapters will repeat the mantra that "fiber is at fault." This repetitive writing style, while some may find it uninspiring, allows a reader to turn to any page without first having to read the previous pages in their entirety.3) Monastyrsky could have done a better job at explaining some seemingly contradictory statements. I have read other reviews elsewhere that claim this book to be riddled with contradictions. One example is on the topic of probiotics and intestinal flora. "He says to take probiotics, but then later says that the stomach's acid kills bacteria! How can both be true?" I emailed the author about this issue, and he promptly replied with a sufficient answer. In addition to the email exchange, I did my own research and discovered it's not a black and white issue. The book does not contain contradictions; however, it may appear to be the case to some readers that are unaware of the ongoing research. I just wish Monastyrsky made it more clear in his book. This might be a consideration for a second edition, perhaps?4) It was mentioned in an earlier review that the author refers to his web site where the reader can purchase certain supplemental products. I have read books that have done this heavily, so I will cut some slack to Monastyrsky, since he only does it a few times towards the end of the book. It does raise red flags for me when I know an author is selling something, since I begin to wonder how much of the book is informative and how much is an advertisement. In this particular case, it wasn't too much of the latter. I understand that writers have families to feed and relying solely on book sales doesn't always work. Besides, there are those readers who become frustrated when a book instructs them on steps to take without any particular products that are verified or sold by the author. "Take probiotics. There's many brands to choose from. Good luck figuring out which ones work the best, and don't expect me to supply anything." I would rather have an author sell me something at the end of a book instead of giving me no practical advice whatsoever. What would be ideal for me is if an author recommended specific brand names without any vested interest in third-parties or his own products. The best approach Monastyrsky could have taken would be to mention his web site once in the beginning of the last part of the book, and not mention it again. By bringing up the web site multiple times, it feels a bit "pushy". I disagree that his products are expensive, however. I must admit that when it comes to high-quality probiotics and supplements, any consumer must be willing to pay a hefty price. The brand of probiotics I am currently taking are not cheap, and yet they may in fact be of inferior quality to Monastyrsky's own brand.It may sound like I am being too hard on this book. Let me assure you that I am not. In fact, this is probably one of the best materials on nutrition that I have read. The gist of my review can be summed up with "it was well worth reading!" I spend more time in my review on the shortcomings of the book in order to warn new readers in advance what negatives to expect. This way they can focus more on the content of the book rather than dwell on the trivial imperfections. Read this book, you won't regret it. You might make new enemies, but you will be empowered with an arsenal of rich information that you can apply to yourself and discuss with others. If you are contemplating what your next read on diet and nutrition will be, make it this book. Trust me on this one.I am currently in the transition of moving away from fiber and changing other factors in my diet and lifestyle. I am surprised at how difficult it is. I'm not sure how others have had success with the suggestions laid out in the final section of the book, but I can only tell you it is very difficult for me personally. Work schedules and social norms add to the difficulty. I will remain patient and vigilant, since I have seen minor improvements. I just hope in time I can fully break off my dependence of fiber. This does not mean I am on a "zero-fiber and zero-carbohydrate diet", since I still do consume fiber and carbohydrates that are naturally found in whole foods. I am no longer supplementing my diet with fiber, and I am consciously avoiding fiber-rich and carb-rich food sources. Yes, I am still forming stools with little fiber, but as described in the book, I am suffering from latent constipation. Prior to making these changes I realize, retrospectively, that fiber was only "hiding" my latent constipation. Hopefully, this painful transition is only temporary. Unlike some people, I cannot subject myself to a boring and restrictive diet. Sometimes I have no choice but to eat a piece of cake or share some chips and salsa. It is socially frowned upon to say "no" to everything when attending a gathering or going out for dinner. Those around you may begin to roll their eyes and ostracize you for being so "picky". Regardless, I shall continue with the suggestions in the book. Wish me luck!* Update: I forgot to mention that Konstantin Monastyrsky has also written a handful of other books in the past. Sadly, all but two (Gut Sense and Fiber Menace) are only available in Russian. I would really love to be able to read "Functional Nutrition" if it was translated into English. At least some of those topics were covered in Fiber Menace, although in lighter detail, I'm sure.

Fiber Menace is the greatest nutritional aid I have ever read. The author in great humor and wit aptly attacks the fiber in our diet. I have laughed and cried reading this book. At last, the answer to why I was plugged up even though I was doing everything I was told to relieve my constipation. I was water logged and fibered down; cold as ice and unable to lose weight; sleepy every afternoon no matter how much coffee I drank and craving sugar or salt or both at some of the most irregular times.Whether you are severely plugged up or occasionally irregular, this book can help you. If you read it first and apply the appropriate solutions to your personal condition, you will be on the road to recovery. It is important to take it to heart that you will need to lose all the indoctrination you have had since childhood regarding putting fiber in your diet. Once you eliminate the fiber that is added above what is naturally in food, you will see your system revert to optimum balance.Never will you have your arm twisted to do anything. The author gives an alternative to what you are doing now. You can tailor his advice to fit your situation. Buy or don't buy his supplements but they do work. I see nothing wrong with Monastyrsky promoting his supplements. Absolutely everyone does, look at Mercola - my gosh - every day he is selling some new and improved product. There is no pressure to buy, however, I did and I really don't understand why anyone wouldn't. Like auto insurance, you get what you pay for. Cheap insurance will result in zilch when you need it. Prime insurance will be there when you need it. I buy the highest quality supplements I can afford and what he offers gets the job done, and when you reach your optimum balance, you can switch to anything you want from somewhere else. Chances are you will return because the results will not be the same. Damage to your intestinal flora is almost permanent and just the smallest backsliding can reset your gut to zero and then you have to start the repair job all over again.There are as many reasons to eliminate fiber as there are to keep it but let me ask you this, if you are unlucky enough to have something exit your body the size of your fist through a hole the size of your nostril - isn't it wise to take steps to change that ratio? Every body has a rhythm it follows and there is no one size fits all and this book can help you adjust yours without pressure to conform to some insane standard set by a panel, board or authority you never met. Only you know what makes your body tick and if you follow K.M.'s teachings, you will be free of torture and sickness.I share this information with everyone and I have the book on Kindle, which I loan to people and in soft cover so that when I need to show someone or refer to something I have it at hand. In addition to this, [...] is bookmarked on my Android.I thank God everyday for Fiber Menace, Gut Sense, Konstantin and the bowel movements I now have. It takes some careful observation of your digestive system so that you can feel the change your body is experiencing as you reduce the carnage to your intestines and create a healthy environment for your food to pass through.Oh yeah, there is weight loss and now I have intestinal gas which I haven't had for years. I used to think I had it made when everyone else would complain about gas and I didn't. Imagine my surprise to learn here that I had no gas because I had no intestinal bacteria. Although that may be common knowledge to some people, it wasn't to me. I tell you this because it revealed to me that I had hypothyroidism, which made me constipated and cold all the time. It's just been one revelation after another once I totally removed all extra fiber from my diet. I've reduced the natural fiber also with excellent results.In the end, it is worth getting this book, getting on the website and educating yourself about fiber. This will be the next big thing in health care as people catch on to the fact that we have been putty in the hands of the FDA as it is today and corporations that sell us crappy food.If K.M. is wrong about anything that is not relevant to what works then consider it and move on to what does work. No one is perfect and I personally do not have time to worry about whether he is on target about water or not. It's not important because when your body is operating at perfect balance - which can be achieved - you will automatically drink, eat and eliminate what it takes to keep your body in your personal optimum balance. Unnaturally adding fiber to your diet as advised in conventional advertising and conventional medicine ' is to fill the coffers of the same with your hard-earned dollars ' either by purchasing it now or paying for the med care later.Ps. do not send me your negative comments because I do not want to hear them. K.M.'s teaching works and that's what matters to me. Years of pain and misery are a thing of the past.

Monastyrsky busts the myths surrounding the overuse of fiber in the human diet. A must read book for anyone interested in health and wellbeing.

I bought this book over a year ago and have not only read it word for word twice but delve into it daily. After 30 years of IBS which became very severe 3 years ago, I was at a loss as to what to do and how to eat. Medical specialists do all the major exams to rule out things but they rarely understand all the ins and outs of IBS. This book made total sense and is saving me. I have now totally changed my diet. Fiber IS a menace for me and I hadn't realised it before. Totally agree with others who say this book deserves much more attention. So many illnesses come from eating things our bodies just cannot take. Fantastic find, thank you.

In diesem Buch, das leider nie ins Deutsche übersetzt wurde und leider auch bis heute das einzige auf weiter Flur zu diesem Thema geblieben ist, wird mit einem der größten Mythen zum Thema Ernährung aufgeräumt: den gesunden Ballaststoffe.Jahrzehntelang wurde uns eingetrichtert, dass wir möglichst viele Ballaststoffe aus Vollkornprodukten etc. essen sollten, um gut auf die Toilette gehen zu können und natürlich Darmkrebs vorzubeugen. Heute sind die Praxen der Gastroenterologen voll mit Patienten, die Verstopfung, Reizdarm und Schlimmeres haben, aber anstatt das Offensichtliche zu erkennen, nämlich, dass die Ballaststoffe uns krank machen, wird den Betroffenen einfach erzählt, sie müssten noch mehr Ballaststoffe essen (und noch mehr Wasser trinken und noch mehr Sport treiben). Komischerweise ist noch niemandem aufgefallen, dass unter diesen Beschwerden vor allem Menschen leiden, die sich ohnhin "gesund" ernähren, also viele Ballaststoffe essen, darunter mehrheitlich Frauen und etliche Vegetarier.Konstantin Monastyrsky zeigt Kapitel für Kapitel sehr gut verständlich auf, wie eine ballaststoffreiche Ernährung den Verdauungstrakt schädigt und genau zu den Beschwerden führt, denen sie eigentlich vorbeugen sollen: Verstopfung, Morbus Crohn, Dickdarmkrebs, Divertikulitis und Colitis ulcerosa, Reizdarm. Er macht das nicht wie andere Ernährungsratgeber über irgendwelche Studien, die angeblich irgendetwas gezeigt haben wollen, sondern benutzt die menschliche Anatomie. Ein Blick in den Verdauungstrakt des Menschen zeigt für jeden klar verständlich (auch den medizinischen Laien), dass unser Körper nicht für große Ballaststoffmengen ausgelegt ist. Der Autor erklärt auf diese Weise auch, wie die obengenannten Beschwerden entstehen. Heute nach Lektüre des Buches frage ich mich, warum ich nicht selbst viel früher auf die Erkenntnisse dieses Buches gekommen bin. Unsere Anatomie und Biochemie zu studieren, sagt einem viel besser, was man wirklich essen oder nicht essen sollte als jede Ernährungsfachgesellschaft. Tatsächlich gibt es nicht eine Studie, die jemals gezeigt hat, dass viele Ballaststoffe irgendeiner Krankheit vorbeugen würden. Unser Dickdarm ist viel zu kurz, als dass er die empfohlenen Ballaststoffmengen verdauen könnte. Ballaststoffe heißen nicht umsonst so, denn unser Darm ist nicht imstande, sie aufzuschlüsseln.Der Autor gibt auch eine umsetzbare Anleitung, wie man seinen Körper von der "Sucht" der Ballaststoffe befreit und wieder ohne sie eine normale Verdauung bekommt.Besonders gut hat mir gefallen, dass Monastyrsky in einem Kapitel auch auf das Problem des zu viel Wassertrinkens eingeht (ein weiterer Ernährungsmythos, der bis heute verbreitet wird), was meist mit dem Verzehr hoher Ballaststoffmengen einhergeht. Das ständige Wassertrinken ohne Durst verursacht Überwässerung, Nährstoffmängel und Verstopfung. Er erklärt einleuchtend, warum wir nur ca. 750 ml pro Tag wirklich trinken müssen, den Rest nehmen wir entweder über die Nahrung auf oder stellen ihn über Oxidation in unserem Körper selbst her.Man muss mit dem Autor nicht in allem übereinstimmen. Monastyrsky selbst isst eine sehr eingeschränkte Ernährung, die nicht unbedingt gesund ist, und verlässt sich viel auf Supplemente, das muss sicher nicht sein. Aber er hat auch eine ziemlich krasse Krankengeschichte hinter sich. Für den Ottonormalverbraucher lassen sich seine Ratschläge folgendermaßen zusammenfassen: KH runter, Ballaststoffe runter, nur wenig Wasser trinken. Und es funktioniert. Wie genau man das macht, muss man selber rausfinden. Der Autor gibt dabei zu bedenken, dass das vom Alter, bisheriger Ernährung und Krankengeschichte abhängt.Fazit: Für Menschen mit Verstopfung und anderen Verdauungsbeschwerden ein absolut empfehlenswertes Buch, das einem völlig neue Einblicke in das Thema Verdauung und Ernährung gibt und das einem unter Umständen buchstäblich den Hintern retten kann.

This book broke the myth that I have fr long time that fibre is good for health.

fantastic read! unfortunately I'd already discovered that fiber was doing me harm, but this book helped me understand why. for those of you concerned about the validity of the content, look up mexical doctors and scientists such as Paul Mason MD, Ken Berry MD, Shawn Baker MD, Paul Saladino MD and Bart Kay - Nutrition Scientist on the subjects .