New trend encourages fiber consumption
Social media users have recently taken part in a new wellness trend known as “fibermaxxing.”
Fiber is comprised of a chain of sugar molecules found in whole fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts, according to a news article from the BBC. Experts cited in the article noted that higher fiber consumption has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and early mortality. Fiber can play a complex role in enhancing systemic health. For instance, fermentable fiber can enrich the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome, insoluble fiber can aid in the digestive process and viscous fiber can decrease blood sugar spikes.
However, the experts explained that many individuals have an inadequate daily intake of fiber. The “fibermaxxing” trend could help popularize digestive and overall health by encouraging individuals to add more fiber into their diets. Social media users have already reported experiencing improved physical and mental health after raising their daily fiber intake. The findings from recent epidemiologic studies have confirmed these results, demonstrating that a higher fiber intake may be linked to greater mood and less anxiety and depression as well as better cognition among participants older than 60 years.
Individuals who want to add more fiber to their diets were advised to begin with small adjustments — including swapping white bread for seeded whole-grain bread, ultra-processed snacks for fruit and nuts, and white rice for brown or whole-grain rice — and slowly increase the amount of fiber they consume to avoid potential digestive issues like constipation and bloating. Individuals can also add nuts, seeds, fruit and nut-based butters to breakfast or yogurt and should continue to drink plenty of water.
Read more: BBC
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