The British Nutrition Foundation recommends an intake of 30g of fiber per day for all adults. This is what we have used in the app.
Our recommendations are suitable for most healthy adults. However, we note that certain individuals and groups should be cautious about consuming too much fiber, for example:
People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other gastrointestinal issues may need to carefully manage their fiber intake to avoid exacerbating symptoms or triggering flare-ups.
People with intestinal obstruction or blockage: Individuals with a history of bowel obstruction, strictures, or adhesions might need to be cautious about consuming large amounts of fiber, as it could aggravate the problem or cause complications.
Post-gastrointestinal surgery: People who have recently undergone gastrointestinal surgery, such as a colectomy or bowel resection, may need to temporarily limit their fiber intake during the recovery period.
People with dysphagia: Individuals with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) might need to be cautious with their fiber intake, as some high-fiber foods may be challenging to chew and swallow.
Diverticulitis: In the acute phase of diverticulitis, a low-fiber diet is sometimes recommended to help alleviate symptoms and allow the colon to heal. However, increasing fiber intake gradually during the recovery phase can help prevent future flare-ups.
How should I increase my fiber consumption if I am not eating enough?
If you are looking to increase your fiber intake, please do so gradually and remember to drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated. Rapidly increasing your fiber intake may cause several gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, cramps, constipation or diarrhea as your digestive system might not have enough time to adjust to the changes.