Fibermaxxing: The Gut Health Trend's Surprising Risks

The 'madness' of adding more fibre to your diet has gone beyond dietary advice to become a viral wellness trend. While the trend has been circulating for some time, the hashtag #fibermaxxing has now surpassed 150 million views on TikTok, signalling a massive shift in how social media users approach gut health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends adults consume 25 grams of naturally occurring dietary fibre per day. Despite guidelines, many ignore the right amount of fibre intake. In the UK, over 54 per cent of their daily calories are from ultra-processed foods, which are low in fibre and micronutrients. The buzz over fibre is not really a bad thing, but experts caution that focus on other food groups should not come down. Though protein and fibre go hand in hand, it is not a replacement, warns experts. This trend tends to remove the focus on other food groups like proteins, carbohydrates and fats and replace them with fibre-dense foods, supplements or powder. This is a potential risk. Also, eating too much fibre too quickly could lead to bloating, cramping and constipation. It can also cause a buildup of gas that can escape at the most inconvenient moments, like during a daily commute. Rapidly increasing fibre intake or consuming too much can interfere with the absorption of essential micronutrients like iron, which supports normal body function, as well as macronutrients, which provide the energy needed for movement, repair and adaptation. Gradually increasing fibre intake to recommended levels – through a balanced, varied diet – can offer real health benefits. Fibre-rich foods that can help increase your daily intake *Lentils *Chickpeas *Roasted chana *Tempeh *Basil seeds *Barley *Figs *Oats *Okra