Scientists have warned about the risks of consuming excessive amounts of fiber

Fiber is an important component of food that helps improve digestion and overall health, including heart health. However, the new craze for increasing fiber intake, known as fibermaxxing, may have its pitfalls. This was reported on December 8 by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper.

With the increasing popularity of fiber-rich foods such as cereals or bars, scientists argue that increasing fiber intake is necessary, but only within reasonable limits. Studies have shown that fiber helps lower cholesterol, regulates blood sugar levels, promotes weight loss, and may even protect against heart disease, diabetes, and bowel cancer.

Fiber is a carbohydrate that is not digested in the body. It helps to improve intestinal function and maintains the balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Fiber can be soluble and insoluble. The first type forms a gel—like substance that serves as food for intestinal bacteria, while the second accelerates the digestive process.

According to research, high fiber intake helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The American Nutrition Association recommends that adults consume 25 grams of fiber for women and 38 grams for men each day. Experts also recommend increasing your fiber intake through whole foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes).

Which jam is the healthiest in winter: vitamin content rating

As stated, it is best to increase the amount of fiber slowly so that the body can adapt. To do this, you can include whole-grain breads in your diet, add bran to pastries, and try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Although there is no hard limit for fiber intake, excess fiber can cause unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, gas formation, and diarrhea. Experts recommend starting small and drinking enough water to avoid discomfort. It is also important to monitor food sensitivities and avoid foods with added fiber that may contain allergenic components (gluten or soy).

Focusing on fiber can be beneficial for maintaining health, but it's important to approach it wisely and avoid excess. Nutritionists recommend that you strive for variety and choose whole foods, rather than relying solely on supplements.

On November 8, Sergey Ivanov, an oncologist at the Scandinavian Health Center, spoke about the ability of fiber to enhance the effect of anticancer drugs. According to him, every additional 5 grams of this dietary fiber reduces the risk of disease progression by almost a third.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.