Dietitians warn of risks associated with improper fiber intake

While over 90 percent of Americans do not consume enough dietary fiber, recent wellness trends like ‘fibermaxxing’ have led some to increase their intake excessively. Dietitians warn that improper approaches to increasing fiber can lead to health complications.

Common mistakes include assuming all produce is high in fiber, increasing intake too rapidly without adequate hydration, or failing to consume a variety of fiber sources. Experts note that even minor increases, such as eight extra grams per day, can help reduce risks of heart disease, diabetes, and colorectal cancer.

However, consuming too much fiber can cause the body to ‘rebel.’ Symptoms of excessive intake include frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation due to stool bulk, and bloating caused by fermentation in the gut. Some processed low-net-carb foods may also contain deceptively high fiber counts, leading to accidental overconsumption.