WATCH: Experts reveal whether you should try new TikTok health trend
Fibremaxxing is the latest TikTok craze, and it could be justified.
If you are looking for yummy recipes, kitchen hacks or anything else food-related, TikTok is a seemingly never-ending source.
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From viral recipes to kitchen fails, TikTok has a video that will make you laugh or drool.
The latest TikTok trend follows similar trends, where users try to get the most out of certain habits or foods.
First, there was sleepmaxxing, then looksmaxxing, and now fibremaxxing.
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The idea of superfoods is nothing new, but currently, fibre is having its time to shine.
This intense fibre focus, or fibremaxxing, was born on social media, but what do medical experts say?
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As with all medical advice, tips or tricks, it's always important to consult a physician or your medical doctor before jumping on a trend.
Mayo Clinic states: "Dietary fiber is a nutrient known as a carbohydrate. Fiber includes the parts of plant foods that the body can't digest or absorb. This makes it different from nutrients such as fats, proteins, and other carbohydrates including starches and sugars. The body breaks down these nutrients and absorbs them. Instead, fiber passes somewhat intact through the stomach, small intestine and colon and out of the body."
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Fibremaxxing is based on the nutritional recommendations for how much fibre needs to be consumed daily.
This trend encourages individuals to maximise fibre intake with meals and snacks.
Sara K. Riehm, RD, a dietitian at Orlando Health Center for Health Improvement, explains that the aim is to improve and promote digestive health and overall well-being.
The National Academy of Medicine provides the following daily recommendations for adults:
- 21 grams for women older than age 50.
- 21 grams for women older than age 50.
- 25 grams for women age 50 or younger.
- 30 grams for men older than age 50.
- 38 grams for men aged 50 or younger.
Fibremaxxing aims to meet or exceed the recommended daily fibre intake.
The biggest sources of dietary fibre are unsweetened, high-fibre cereals, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and bulgur wheat.
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Research suggests that only 5% of people consume enough fibre.
Fibre will help keep your colonic movements regular. It helps maintain a healthy gut flora, which could be important for maintaining normal metabolism and hormone levels.
Fibre can also help lower cholesterol.
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Soluble fibre binds with cholesterol molecules and helps excrete them instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream. As it is also digested more slowly, it helps control blood sugar.
Is fibremaxxing healthy?
According to experts, you are just fine trying this trend.
This is one of the safer nutrition trends I’ve seen. It’s focused on consuming nutrient-dense foods and including more of one of the most beneficial components of our diet.
As always, there can be too much of a good thing, and everyone is different.
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High levels of fibre should be avoided by those with certain GI conditions, so experts suggest consulting their doctor before trying a new meal plan like this.
They also recommend taking it slow and adjusting your fibre intake gradually, as sudden changes in fibre intake could cause bloating and gas.
Another tip: drink lots of fluids. Too much fibre and not enough liquid could lead to the opposite effect, constipation.
@dr.karanr FiberMAXXing OC: @Baby Cakes ♬ original sound - Dr Karan Rajan
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