Read abdominal pain, gas, nausea, and a host of other GI-related woes.

In fact, data suggests that only5 percent of Americansare eating the recommended amount of fiber daily.

5 signs youve had too much fiber

1.

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Your gut should eventually learn to love it.

Over time, your gut will adjust and respond to the foods you are eating most often.

Fiber included, she says.

Broth in Bowl on gray background, healthy food, top view.

a registered dietitian and neuronutritionist

You experience bowel irregularities

Having too much fiber can typically go one of two ways: diarrhea or constipation.

On the flip side, she says it can also cause constipation.

If the latter is the case, adequatehydration is imperative for gut health.

Close-up of sliced purple cabbage,

Excessive fiber intake will slow your bodys ability to empty itself quickly.

Soluble fiber, specifically, is very porous, like a sponge.

Its intended to soak up fluids to help bowels move properly through the colon, she says.

soba noodles

However, the issue arises if youarentwell-hydrated to begin with.

So, how much iswaaaytoo much fiber?

The dietitian says anything over 70 grams isnotrecommended.

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

a registered dietitian and neuronutritionist

How can I increase my fiber intake safely?

Slow and steady wins the fiber race, folks.

The microbes in our gut need time to adjust to our increases in fiber, says Richter.

Frozen beef steaks on brownish packaging paper. Light effect.

When in doubt, go slowly!

How to relieve the symptoms of too much fiber?

Life happens, we get it.

Woman shopping in a grocery store with a basket

Here are five ways to find relief if youve overdone it with the fiber:

1.

Hydrate properly

Adequate hydration can help fiber move along more easily through the bowels, Richter says.

Not to mention,exercise can support the development of a healthy microbiome, she says.

My favorite is the ileocecal valve massage, she says.

The ileocecal valve is the valve that connects the small and large intestines.

Gently massaging this area can help move food properly and relieve gas, she says.

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