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Written by Courteney
Posted on August 4, 2016 at 1:14 am
We all know fiber is an essential player in the good health game, but too much of a good thing can be a trouble. As with anything, moderation is key (as it turns out, the body just loves moderation!).
The recommended daily intake of fiber is approximately 25-35 grams daily (mostly insoluble) but many of us are only taking in around half that amount daily. So the problem lies when people start increasing their fiber intake on doctor’s orders but go a little fiber-mad and introduce too much too quickly. The body acclimatizes to changes best when they are slow and steady, not when you go from 0 to 60 before the light even turns green. To much fiber can result in the following discomforts:
Those who have certain stomach disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are sometimes medically advised to cut down their insoluble fiber to give their overactive digestive tracts a break (talk to a doctor before doing so). Aside from those with conditions, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it may be time to re-examine your fiber intake to see if that could be the problem. Start increasing it slowly, by a couple grams a day instead of large, quick increments.
The benefits of fiber well outweigh some of the mild potential issues it may cause when ingested in excess, so be sure to aim for the recommended 25-35 grams of mixed fiber daily (primarily insoluble fiber). Remember to increase your intake gradually if you currently aren’t meeting the ideal mark. However, if you have intestinal issues or are experiencing some of the fiber-related problems we discussed, you may be consuming too much and should talk to your doctor (or one of our highly qualified physicians) for further advice on your individual case. Thanks for visiting DocChat!