What Is Fibermaxxing? Should You Try It?

What Is Fibermaxxing All About?

Oh, that damn TikTok. LOL. It seems like not a day goes by when there isn’t, not just a popular trend that’s popping off, but something that seems like it’s in excess — and as I find myself saying, oh so very often, the excessive of a virtue is a vice (Aristotle is the author of that saying). On the surface, it would seem like fibermaxxing would fit this bill because, I mean, doing something to the max? It doesn’t get more “extra, extra” than that. However, as I’m about to explain, fibermaxxing is proving itself to be something that, for the most part, you can actually feel really good about.

What do I say that? Because, at the end of the day, all fibermaxxing is doing is adding more fiber into your diet — and since, reportedly (and currently), only seven percent of Americans are getting the daily amount of fiber that they need…well…you can see where I am going with this, right?

So, here’s the deal about fiber intake. Men need to be consuming no less than 31-34 grams of fiber on a daily basis. Women? No less than 25-28. So, if you are going to partake in fibermaxxing, you need to be intentional about taking in at least this much, for as long as you comfortably can (more about the “comfortable” part in a bit). Just make sure that if you already know that you aren’t getting this much fiber into your body that you increase on a gradual level in order to avoid as many fiber-related side effects as possible (which is also something that I will touch on in just a bit).

The Benefits of Consuming More Fiber

Although you probably heard somewhere in school that you needed to have fiber in your diet, do you recall why that is the case? If the first thing that you thought about was so you would be regular, that is a solid (and very important) answer. Although having a bowel movement is considered healthy whether it’s three times a day or three times a week (less than this is problematic and you should see your doctor), it’s indeed important that you have them because they are what help to remove waste from your system.

Some other ways that fiber can help you out?

• It helps your gut to maintain good bacteria (which is important since 80 percent of your immunity is housed in your gut)
  
• It can help to regulate your blood sugar levels
• It can help you to maintain a healthy level of cholesterol
• It can reduce your risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer or heart disease
  
• It increases the size and weight of your stools while softening them in the process
• It can give your metabolism a boost
• It can help you to lose weight

And since all of these things work together to provide you with optimal health, without question, it’s important to make fiber an essential part of your daily diet.

5 Ways to Get More Fiber into Your Diet

Okay, so what if what you’ve read so far has already got you amped to do a bit of fibermaxxing? If so, it’s important to know that there are two different fibers that you should take into your body: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber helps your system to produce less fat, improve your gut health and lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber improves your bowel health and helps to prevent constipation. Foods that contain soluble fiber include black beans, Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, pears and apples. Foods that contain insoluble fiber include oat bran, wheat, sunflower seeds, avocados and even cocoa.

And now that you know what fiber does and the different types that you need, I want to share with you a few hacks that can help you to easily incorporate more fiber into your regimen.

1. Drink water. The reason why I’m leading with “drink more water” is because, the interesting thing about fiber (especially insoluble fiber) is, if your body isn’t well-hydrated, it can actually lead to constipation, So, if fibermaxxing is what you’re after, make sure that you constantly have some water (or infused water) on tap (pun intended).

2. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. If you speak with any reputable physician or nutritionist, one thing that they are going to assure you of is the fact that the best and easiest way to get the nutrients that your body needs into your system is to consume fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of the ones that are packed with fiber include pears, strawberries, bananas, carrots, broccoli, artichokes and beets.

3. Drink certain fiber-rich juices. Juices contain sugar and calories, so, although you should consume them in moderation, you can still enjoy a glass or two from time to time. And while you’re doing that, get some additional fiber into your system by drinking prune, grapefruit or papaya juice. All are full of fiber and are a delicious way to get your daily intake in.

4. Take a fiber-rich supplement. Although, by far and hands down, the most effective way to get fiber into your body is to eat foods that are filled with it, if you want to make sure that you’re getting all that you need, there are fiber supplements that are available too. You can click here to find a list of some of the best ones that are currently on the market.

5. Snack on popcorn. I don’t know what it is about popcorn but, sometimes, totally out of the blue, I will find myself craving some. Hmph. Maybe it’s my body’s way of saying that I need more fiber, huh? That definitely would track, considering the fact that popcorn contains a whopping four grams (and a bit of change) of fiber per serving — and yes, that is a lot!

How to Know You’re Getting Too Much of a Good Thing

Now that you know the awesome things that fiber can do for you, you might be tempted to go way over the recommended amount. Yeah, be careful with that because there are some potential side effects that come with getting too much of a good thing (in this case, fiber).

Too much fiber can lead to bloating; stomach cramps; diarrhea; nausea; a blockage in your intestines; constipation, and even dehydration. Overdoing fiber could also cause you to eliminate waste so fast and so much that your system doesn’t get enough time to fully absorb the nutrients that it needs first — and yeah, that’s not good.

So, if you’re gonna fibermaxx, have at it. Just don’t “program yourself” into believing that overdoing it is even better. As you can see…it ain’t.

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Yeah, y’all — amidst all of the nonsense and foolishness that is on social media apps, like a broken clock, sometimes someone will get it right. As you can see from the TikTok videos that are included here — upping your fiber intake is a wise move. Bowel moments and otherwise. LOL.

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