****

A recent study conducted by researchers in Boston has revealed that increasing dietary fiber intake might help reduce the levels of harmful 'forever chemicals' in the body. These 'forever chemicals,' known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body, where they can linger for years and pose serious health risks.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Health in March, involved 72 adult men aged 18 to 65, all of whom had detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. Participants were divided into two groups, with 42 men consuming a one-gram beta-glucan fiber supplement found in oats, mushrooms, and seeds, three times daily before meals. The remaining 30 men were given a rice-based supplement to serve as a control.

After four weeks, blood tests showed that the group taking the beta-glucan fiber supplement had an eight percent reduction in certain PFAS levels, particularly perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), two of the most hazardous forms. The comparison group, who took the rice-based supplement, did not see such reductions.

PFAS are commonly found in household items such as nonstick cookware and plastic containers. These chemicals do not break down naturally, leading to their accumulation in vital organs which can increase the risk of organ failure, infertility, and various types of cancer. The researchers suggest that fiber may help eliminate these chemicals by aiding the removal of excess bile in the digestive tract, to which PFAS attach before being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Despite widespread concerns about the toxicity of PFAS, options for reducing their levels in the body have been limited until now. This new study offers a promising method to mitigate the impact of these dangerous substances and highlights the importance of fiber consumption. Currently, nine out of ten Americans do not consume enough fiber, leaving them vulnerable not only to the risks posed by PFAS but also to other conditions such as colon cancer.

The findings emphasize the urgent need to incorporate more fiber into daily diets as a potential defense against the lasting effects of PFAS exposure. With these insights, consumers and healthcare professionals alike can take a proactive step towards better health and reduced chemical accumulation.