A new health trend has taken over TikTok, prompting users to hop on it and sparking a conversation on the consequences of rigorous practices. Dubbed “fibremaxxing,” the wellness trend encourages health enthusiasts to increase their daily fibre intake, sometimes far beyond the recommended amounts.
From overflowing bowls of lentils to chia seed puddings, TikTok influencers are consuming fibre-packed meals and claiming impressive benefits, such as better digestion, weight loss, steadier blood sugar, and lasting satiety. Some users even say it has improved their overall gut health.
What Is Fibremaxxing?
Fibremaxxing refers to the practice of consuming more dietary fibre than usual, often exceeding 30 to 50 grams per day, compared to the recommended 25 to 30 grams for most adults, a report in USA Today said.
While the benefits of fibre are well established, like it supports digestion, feeds beneficial gut bacteria, helps manage cholesterol and blood sugar, and promotes fullness, experts warn that overdoing it can cause uncomfortable side effects.
“So often, food-related social media trends focus on excluding foods or food groups,” said Jennifer House, a dietitian and founder of First Step Nutrition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in an interview with USA Today. “And most of us get enough protein, but we don’t get enough fibre.”
While boosting fibre is generally a good idea, nutritionists are cautioning TikTok users against going from zero to 100 overnight. Mascha Davis, a registered dietitian, told USA Today that increasing fiber too quickly –– especially without enough water — can backfire. “Making a sudden switch to a high-fiber diet, or ‘maxxing’ too quickly, can lead to gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, or constipation,” she said.
Some TikTok users are raising these concerns, too. One user warned, “Some supplements are OK, but be careful. I took care of a big 19-year-old Indian fella who tried to quickly transform his fat into muscle by pumping iron at the gym. For six months, he used creatine and male hormones, and 2 grams of ibuprofen a day. Had kidney failure and needed dialysis,” as mentioned by USA Today.
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“Fiber makes me feel better. All Bran cereal with yogurt is a breakfast of champions,” one commenter shared. Another noted, “Fibre is critical for a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a direct role in mood, inflammation, colon cancer risk and even memory!”
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