For healthy digestion, women should take 25 grams of fiber per day, and men should go with 38 grams per day. According to medical experts, most of the population falls short of fiber intake.
There are people who take a very less amount of fiber, and then there are those who intake too much. This can happen if you abruptly start consuming fiber. Excessive fiber can result in various issues such as:
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- diarrhea
- short-term weight gain
- constipation
- reduced blood sugar levels
In case you have a high fever, are experiencing vomiting or nausea, and it’s extremely difficult to pass stool, immediately schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you live in Tomball, North Houston, Cypress, Magnolia, Northwest Harris County, or surrounding areas, visit Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center. Our doctors have years of experiencing treating patients with digestive issues.
Finding relief from ingesting too much fiber?
The following techniques can help you find relief from the symptoms of excessive ingestion.
- Drink lots of water
- Refrain intake of fibrous supplements
- Stay away from high-fiber foods.
- Avoid too spicy and flavored foods
- Don’t sit all day long, walk more often and add light physical activities to your daily routine
- Take note of the amount of fiber you take each day
As soon as you get better, you can gradually start adding foods with fiber to your diet. But remember not to intake lots of fiber in a single meal, instead take small portions and evenly distribute them in several meals.
Getting fiber from different foods and not depending on any single one is the best approach. You can get fiber from beans, grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
What effects does fiber have on your digestion?
The two main types of fiber that play a vital role in digestion are:
Insoluble fiber: It helps the food to pass in a quick manner through the intestines and stomach. Moreover, it makes your stool bulky. It also plays an essential part in balancing your intestine’s pH.
Soluble fiber: It is responsible for giving your food a gel-like form. This puts a brake on digestion and is the reason why you feel full (a vital part of weight management). It can also alleviate the chances of heart disease and puts your blood sugar to a healthy level.
What are the benefits of fiber?
Eating too much fiber is bad for your health, but an adequate amount is necessary for a healthy and fit body. Fiber is good for your cholesterol, blood sugar levels, bowel movement, and good gut bacteria. People who intake an adequate amount of fiber have fewer chances of developing colon cancer.
Consuming the right amount of fiber is very important. You can assume that ingesting more than necessary is always better than having too little (but you should always be careful). Slowly add fiber to your diet, and don’t rush.
If you are looking for more information, our experts can help. To get in touch, call (281) 357 1977.