Fibremaxxing: what it is and how much is too much

Experts say the goal is about 25–30g of fibre a day while many people get roughly 15–18g, and raising intake too quickly can cause bloating, constipation or abdominal pain.

Fibremaxxing refers to a social-media trend focused on increasing dietary fibre. Experts note fibre comes in two main forms: insoluble (found in whole grains, brown rice and vegetable skins) and soluble (found in oats, beans and lentils). Fibre is linked with improved digestion, regularity and benefits for cholesterol and blood sugar. Many people currently consume less than the commonly cited target for daily fibre. Key facts: - The commonly cited aim is about 25–30g of fibre per day, while reported intake for many people is nearer 15–18g. - Insoluble fibre helps move material through the gut, while soluble fibre forms a gel that aids digestion and regularity. - Increasing fibre intake too quickly can lead to bloating, constipation or abdominal pain as the body adjusts. - The article describes practical, incremental ways to add fibre across meals, such as seeds on porridge, fruit with skins, pulses in soups or sauces, popcorn and roast chickpeas as snacks. - It also mentions recipes that combine beans and lentils for higher fibre meals and notes pairing pulses with wholegrain or basmati rice for more fibre. Summary: Raising fibre intake can support digestion and markers such as cholesterol and blood sugar, but many people currently fall short of the 25–30g target. Experts emphasise introducing extra fibre gradually to reduce the chance of discomfort. Undetermined at this time.