A supplement that can lead to gas, bloating and other digestive problems

In many cases, supplements can be a great way to fit essential nutrients into your diet or meet your health goals. There are many supplements available for a wide range of needs, from weight loss to sleep to preventing certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. However, almost all supplements come with potential risks. While some supplements may simply be ineffective, there are several that can be downright dangerous. And many rest in the middle. When taken in the recommended dosage, they can be very good, but taking too much can seriously harm your body. When it comes down to it, it is fiber supplements,which may lead to intestinal health problems.

To learn more about how fiber supplements can pose a risk to your digestive system, we spoke with health expert Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of the Candida Diet. He told us that although fiber is essential for your gut health, too much of it can lead to problems like gas, bloating and discomfort. Learn more about the risks below.

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Fiber supplements and digestive problems

Fiber is an important component of a balanced diet. It plays an important role in digestion and can even help control your blood sugar levels and lower your cholesterol. There are many high-fiber foods to choose from, but if you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough fiber in your diet, you may want to turn to supplements. However, Richards says you should be careful when taking fiber supplements.

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“Excessive use of fiber supplements can be detrimental to gut health,” he says. “While fiber is important for digestive health, taking too much of it as a supplement can lead to side effects. Too much fiber can cause bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort as the body struggles to break it down and absorb it. Extra fiber tries.”

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Too much insoluble fiber, in particular, “can be abrasive to the lining of the gut and potentially lead to irritation and inflammation,” he notes. Yes! This can worsen symptoms in people with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease. For this reason, if you struggle with digestive issues like these, you may want to cut out fiber supplements altogether.

“Excessive fiber supplementation can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria because it can cause the growth of certain types of bacteria that ferment fiber, leading to excess gas and digestive discomfort,” adds Richards.

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Are you concerned about facing these risks? The best solution is to get fiber directly from the foods you eat and monitor your intake. “Consuming fiber in moderation and prioritizing a balanced diet based on whole foods is essential to promoting gut health,” Richards concludes. I understood!