We constantly hear
about the positive benefits of fiber, but despite all these benefits, too much
fiber can cause several health problems. Some are embarrassing and
uncomfortable side effects while others can lead to more severe health issues.
Read below to learn about what can happen when you eat too much fiber.
Fiber is a natural
substance found in fruits, vegetables and grains. It is an essential part of
healthy digestion. Additionally, fiber adds bulk to your diet, making you feel
fuller sooner and longer. It helps aid digestion and can prevent constipation.
6 Health Risks of
Eating Too Much Fiber
1) Cramping occurs because
the body cannot properly break down fiber. If too much fiber is consumed, food
digestion can be momentarily slowed or even stopped. This can lead to
intestinal cramping and discomfort.
2) Diarrhea, If you increase
your fiber intake too suddenly, then your body will not have enough time to adjust.
One of the biggest benefits of fiber is that it increases the speed in which
food moves throughout the digestive tract. By consuming too much fiber, you may
increase this speed too much, which can lead to diarrhea.
3) Malabsorption, according
to Colorado State University, because fiber binders to other foods, fiber could
bind to nutrients and eliminate these minerals and vitamins without the body
being able to absorb them. By eating too much fiber, you may interfere with how
your intestines absorb certain minerals. Often, too much fiber can lead to the
malabsorption of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Despite this side effect,
this malabsorption is typically so minimal that it does not cause for much
concern.
4) Constipation, if you eat
too much fiber without enough water, then you may become constipated. The
body’s digestive tract requires fluids to help move things along. If you do not
have enough fluids in your system, then your intestines will not be able to
work properly and you may become constipated.
5) Intestinal Gas, by eating
too much fiber in a short amount of time, you may experience flatulence,
bloating and intestinal gas. This occurs as a reaction the natural bacteria in
your digestive tract has to the fiber. To avoid this side effect, simply
gradually increase your fiber intake so the natural bacteria can adjust to the
fiber.
6) Intestinal Blockage, an
intestinal blockage would be the worst side effect you could get from consuming
too much fiber. This occurs when an individual eats too much fiber and does not
consume enough water. Fiber can cause a blockage in the intestines, preventing
any other foods to get past. Intestinal blockages can be serious health
conditions and may require surgery.
To avoid these
side effects, simply gradually increase your fiber intake over a few weeks.
When increasing your fiber intake, make sure to also increase your fluid
intake. It is recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Additionally, to help you track your fiber intake, use FitDay to track your
nutrition and calories, which can help lead to weight loss.
This is directly
from a web page I found. I take no credit and I’m putting the link here for
others. I am putting it here for myself and for anyone else that would like to
know.
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/6-health-risks-of-eating-too-much-fiber.html
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