Eating Too Much Fiber?

Posted by Simple Promise on

Eating Too Much Fiber?

Here’s Why You Don’t Want to Do That…

Too much of a good thing can make it a bad thing. As an example, eating too much protein can cause brain fog, weight gain, and bloating even though it is an essential nutrient.

Fiber is no different. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive tract, heart, gut microbiome, and control of your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. But what if you get too much?

Today, we’ll look at the side-effects of eating too much fiber:

#1: Your constipation may get WORSE

It may surprise you, but too much fiber can make you constipated. This happens when you don't drink enough water. You need fiber and water to bulk up your poop and keep it moving. Without water, stools will form but they'll be difficult to move in your digestive system. So, if you eat more fiber, you should drink more fluids, too.

#2: Too much fiber can cause diarrhea

Fiber helps you go to the bathroom, but too much fiber can cause diarrhea. This is true when you eat too much insoluble fiber like nuts, beans, and potatoes. This is because insoluble fiber softens stool and has somewhat of a laxative effect. That's why you should slowly increase your fiber intake so your digestive system has time to adjust. On top of that, try to get a good balance of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

#3: You might experience bloating or gas

Fiber can cause bloating or gas, especially if you eat too much fiber too fast. It's normal for our gut bacteria to produce gas as they digest food and fiber. But when the gas and bloating becomes uncomfortable, that's when you need to re-evaluate how much fiber you eat.


So there you go, the 3 shocking side effects of eating too much fiber.

My best advice for you: Eat fiber in moderation, make sure you get a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber, and get plenty of water while you’re at it.

BellyFlush

Comments

2 comments

  • The article on fiber was very helpful, Thank you

    Herbert Torrence on

  • Thank you for this email regarding too much fiber. I was eating too much because I thought it would help my constipation. It caused me a severe constipation problem. I ended up going to the Emergency Room of the Hospital

    Cynthia Loud on

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