Too much fiber??

emmerrs

I'm wondering, other than the obvious risk of constipation, are there any negative effects of too much fiber on a regular basis??

Mamapengu

unlike other foods fiber is one that the suggested number is the min you want to get to not the max, without freaking out when you go below. Extra fiber with plenty of water will help regulate you, protect you from colon cancer and all kinds of other good things. As long as you increase you fiber slowly so you body can adjust,increase the water, and exercise (helps move things along) you can avoid the constipation issue easily.

Arizona_JR

I would think too much fiber may keep you on the pot MORE than if you had too little. Fiber keeps those pipes clean.

LilRedRooster

See, I didn't think the obvious thing would be constipation.. Generally, it's the exact opposite, at least for me, haha.

RoanneRed

Increased flatulence while your body gets used to the increased fibre intake - gut bacteria feed on fibre.

katyk00

I recently upped my fiber intake from the 15g that MFP suggests to 35g and I can totally vouch for the flatulence. But I am def more regular which was something I always struggled with. The literature that I've read say that the benefits tend to taper off once you hit the high 30s/40s

RoanneRed

Hmm, just decided to start tracking my fibre intake - certainly explains my flatulence and there's still more fibre in homemade mealt that isn't showing up!

kirstinkrueger

Some health care experts believe that eating more than 35 grams of fiber per day may adversely affect vitamin and mineral absorption. While this is technically true, rarely does anyone eat near that amount of fiber. Most of us don't eat even the small amount we need. Some fibers may absorb calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium, and while the presence of fiber in the intestines may inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients, these effects are present only under extreme conditions.

In other words, don't let the fear of becoming nutrient deficient stop you from boosting you fiber intake. This particular phenomenon does not pose a significant threat. The marvelous benefits of fiber far outweigh the remote possibility that you will eat quantities large enough to pose any problem. An average individual requires approximately 25 grams (for women) to 30 grams (for men) and approximately 20 grams (for kids) of fiber daily. Side effects are mostly noticed for individuals who consume higher that about 45 grams of fiber in a day. And in those not drinking enough water.

Too much fiber with not enough water intake is the reason behind these terrible side effects. So, if you are suffering from the following symptoms, you are doing something wrong!

Flatulence: Embarrassing and highly uncomfortable. I can only imagine a day at work, spiced up with flatulence. Flatulence is a condition wherein mixed gases are expelled through the rectum. High intake of fiber can aid the process and cause you much shame as you "pass the gas".
Diarrhea: It is a condition wherein the sufferer undergoes loose or liquid-like bowel movements. This constitutes loss in body fluids, salts and other nutrients. It causes death in extreme conditions.
Abdominal Discomfort: This one is not so embarrassing, but uncomfortable nonetheless. The "twaing" feeling in your stomach can be enough to put you off work, play and pleasure. If you know what I mean!
Constipation: Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs excess water and this results in hard or no feces. If you wish to know, "Can too much fiber cause constipation?", the answer is - Oh yes it can! Constipation is annoying, painful, uncomfortable and generally awful.
Blockages: Too much fiber can lead to a possibility of a sever blockage. It has been seen that patients need to get operated to get rid of the blockage caused due to too much fiber.
Weight Gain: Too much fiber can also cause you to gain weight. However, you can lose this weight without much trouble cause its water weight from being bloated.

SoCalSwimmerDude

Constipation?? Doesn't it have the exact opposite effect? Protein w/out enough fiber is what makes it... hard to go...

emmerrs

Thanks for responding everybody, kirstinkrueger I really appreciate the information!!

kirstinkrueger

Thanks for responding everybody, kirstinkrueger I really appreciate the information!!

you're welcome! I had JUST been talking about that and researching it so it was perfect timing that you asked!