What is fibermaxxing? Dietitian warns about pitfalls of viral health trend and the change to keep an eye on

Talk about a bowel movement. From chia-studded puddings to lentil-loaded lunches, wellness influencers are flooding social media with high-fiber feasts they say improve digestion and ward off weight gain. But can too much fiber backfire? Maura Donovan, a registered dietician and medical education specialist of sports nutrition at Thorne, has the low-down on “fiber maxxing” — and how to know if you’ve gone too far. It’s a viral trend in which people are packing their plates with fiber-rich foods — like whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds — to maximize their daily intake.Many are also turning to supplements for an extra boost.“Similar to the benefits of eating a high-protein diet, many are over-indulging in fiber for weight and diet management, as well as reducing inflammation in the body, which can help us look and feel better from the inside-out,” Donovan said. Fiber offers some major perks — especially for your gut health.“When fiber reaches the large intestine in the digestive tract, it is fermented by gut microbiota and can produce beneficial byproducts such as short-chain fatty acids and other metabolites,” Donovan explained. These byproducts act as energy sources for the cells lining the large intestine, strengthen the gut barrier and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A high-fiber diet supports smooth, regular bowel movements and lowers the risk of constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease and even colon cancer.Fiber-rich foods also tend to fill you up and digest slowly, helping you stay satisfied longer and cut back on overall calorie intake. On top of that, research suggests that a higher fiber intake can lower cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels, keeping your heart healthy and possibly adding extra years to your life. Before you start sprinkling flaxseed into everything, just know: More fiber isn’t always better.“Fiber is a nutrient that helps you feel full ...