Why Does Fiber Negatively Affect Me?

Fiber is considered healthy, with the University of Maryland Medical Center recommending that everyone get at least 25 to 30 g of this dietary substance every day. Fiber adds roughage to your diet that helps you digest food, and it makes the waste products bulkier, softer and easier to pass when you move your bowels. Some people experience negative effects when they eat fiber because of the way they consume it.

Side Effects

You get negative side effects from eating fiber if you suddenly start eating a lot of high-fiber foods or take high doses of fiber supplement products. A sudden influx of fiber in your digestive system can lead to bloating, abdominal pain and excess gas. These effects are temporary and go away once you adjust to consuming the extra fiber regularly. You can stop side effects by backing down on the fiber, then reintroducing it into your diet more slowly instead of all at once. Your body does not react badly when you give it enough time to get used to the bulk-heavy foods or supplement.

Constipation

Fiber is well-known as a constipation treatment, but it actually causes the condition under certain circumstances. Fiber can negatively affect your digestive system and inhibit bowel movements if you do not drink enough water. You need a mixture of roughage and water for food to move properly through your intestines, and the combination of fiber and liquid softens your stool. Bulky, but dry, feces are hard and painful to pass. Always drink enough water when you are on a high-fiber diet or are taking a supplement.

Interactions

Fiber can causes problems if you take it in supplement form along with certain prescription medications. Medications that might cause interactions with fiber supplements include tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, diabetes treatments, the heart drug digoxin and the seizure medication carbamazepine, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises. Talk to your doctor before using a supplement if you take these or other prescription medications. Combining a soluble fiber supplement with cholesterol medication may decrease your cholesterol more effectively.

Fullness

Fiber-rich foods make you feel sated more quickly than other dietary items because of the bulk. Thus, you tend to eat less when you follow a high-fiber diet. People who are trying to lose weight consider this a positive effect, but you may not like it if you want to gain or maintain your current weight.