Too much fiber -- What is the downside?

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wewon
wewon Posts: 838 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I have been eating healthier for the last few months and feeling infinitely better.

However, I have been getting back into the whole MFP discipline, meaning filling out my diary again.

I've noticed that I routinely go over on the fiber recommendation, however the foods that I am eating are good healthy foods that provide me with lots of nutrients and overall health benefits, so I don't see a "problem" with them.

Is there a downside from going over in fiber?

Replies

  • mhotch
    mhotch Posts: 901 Member
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    Your buttocks becomes intimately involved with your toilet, or you get enough gas to bring down a small city.

    Seriously, don't worry about it unless you get some uncomfortable side effects. gas and bloating is probably the most common side effect. If you are feeling fine then don't worry about it.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
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    The downside is you have me creeping on your dairy trying to figure out how to get more fiber because I'm always low despite the fact I eat nuts every day :P

    Apparently beans have a crazy amount of fiber. Thanks for the help!

    Also, you should be more concerned about what type of fiber your getting (insoluble vs soluble). Read the last link it has some info on it and google has a ton of stuff on it :)

    6 health risks:
    http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/6-health-risks-of-eating-too-much-fiber.html

    side effects:
    http://www.buzzle.com/articles/too-much-fiber-side-effects.html

    To much fiber (mentions insoluble vs soluble).
    http://www.toomuchfiber.net/
  • OceansForever
    OceansForever Posts: 221 Member
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    I don't think there is a downside.

    It is very healthy. Just make sure you also drink lots of water.

    I am about triple the amount that MFP suggests and I am very happy with the result.

    While at first it was uncomfortable, my digestive system got used to it and I have no longer any problems (belly aches etc)

    Good job on getting plenty of fiber!
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
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    So I've been sprouting my own beans and seeds and had a lot of that with a lot of veggies and for once went over on my fiber. This was at about 2pm. It was delicious but I felt really bloated after. Supper came and went and at about 8 I decided that I should eat more food since I was under 1000 calories. I forced a bowl of vegetable soup in me and a few hours later I forced half a glass of almond milk into me and I woke up this morning and I still feel bloated. At the same time I don't feel hungry so if this is something that doesn't happen to you it definitely suppressed me from wanting food.

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