FIBER: How Much is Too Much

Dr.S · Feb 26, 2003

I know there's a lot of people on this board who like to debate about different diet statagies. Sometimes I hear a mention of fiber, along the lines of "get plenty of fiber"; but can fiber possibly impair digestion of vital nutrients? Some of those "colon cleanse" websites mention that the average american gets less than 10 grams of Fiber per day, and that 25-30 grams/day is optimal. They also mention that once you start getting over 50 grams/day, you could be interfering with nutrient absorption...

Well, I've seen some opinions (on a couple other bb'ing boards) that it's only advantageous to have fiber with a "bad" meal (saturated fat). However, it would be a bad idea to have, say, 5 grams of Physllium Husk (aka- colon cleanser) with a meal containing Flax oil (or any similar 'good' fat). They say that the fiber will carry the 'good' fat out of your system without it being absorbed by the body......Now I've always thought that fiber Helped with digestion and assemilation (sp?). Granted, if one took 20grams of physllium husk at one shot, it might affect the digestion...

I know a lot of you probably don't much care about this topic, but I think it's overlooked...and important. Anyone care to shed some light on the subject?...

Dr.S..........

urineluva · Feb 26, 2003

Well i take a tablespoon of metamucil before bed and that works best, along with eating fruit during the day. If i take metamucil like 3 times a day like the doc reccomends it actually seems to constipate me.

vitor · Feb 26, 2003

I

I use fiber in every shake I have except post workout, It taste good sugar free citrucel. I dont think it makes food or nutrients not good used, it just slows the absorption. I know If I take like 3-4 eca tabs it makes it times released in my opion. This is when im cutting.

When Im maintain 6-8% bodyfat I have around 40-50grams per day.

I get these from Whole Oats, 1-2 cups per day, 1 bean burito, and Low fat Arnold Whole wheat bread, 4 slices is 180cals, 10grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, and 10 grams of fiber. Plus fruit and veggies.