You’ve heard of protein maxxing, but a new wellness trend is encouraging people to maximize something else in their diets: fiber.
Known as “fiber maxxing,” the trend is gaining attention on social media as people look for ways to increase their fiber intake and improve their health.
Nutrition experts say getting enough fiber is important, especially because many people fall short of the recommended daily amount.
Women should aim for about 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get about 38 grams, according to general dietary recommendations.
Dolores Woods, a registered dietitian with UTHealth Houston, said many people consume only about 17 grams of fiber daily.
Fiber is associated with several health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
But Woods said there is an important rule to remember before dramatically increasing fiber intake: take it slow.
Increasing fiber too quickly can lead to uncomfortable side effects, including bloating, gas and abdominal cramping. Not drinking enough water while increasing fiber can also worsen constipation.
Woods recommends drinking plenty of water as you gradually add more fiber to your diet.
She also encourages people to focus on whole foods rather than relying solely on supplements to meet their daily fiber goals.
Legumes, berries, nuts, seeds, whole grains and vegetables are all good options for increasing fiber intake.
While fiber maxxing may help people get closer to their daily nutritional needs, nutrition experts caution against trying to increase intake too much, too quickly.
The goal is to build a sustainable eating habit that supports long-term health without causing unnecessary digestive discomfort.
