I already know that a high fiber, low sodium, and low fat diet lowers your blood pressure. DUH. What I can't seem to find is the reasons these things are true. I'm writing a paper on blood pressure and I've found so many great sources, but not one of them tells me the actual physiological reasons that this type of diet lowers blood pressure. If anyone could point me to some sources on this I would really appreciate it. Any doctors out there??? : )

I am dealing with hemorrhoids, and I'm only twenty two, but they have gotten pretty bad. As a result, i'm trying to eat a high fiber diet. Usually it consists of

–apples and pears
–triscuits
–raisin bran/raisin nut bran
–oatmeal
–whole grain pasta

Can anyone tell me what foods they eat that help them increase fiber in their diet? I know that regular fruits and veggies should do the trick, but its not in this case. I am going to see my doctor tomorrow, because its gotten so bad, but whether or not i have to have it surgically removed, I am still going to need a high fiber diet. It would be great if there were any snack foods you could suggest that I could munch on throughout the day. I guess you could say I'm looking for very high fiber foods in particular. A super fiber food (if you will). Any suggestions? The more specific the better.

Thanks!