Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that you find in plant-based food and its job is to help you digest food your body cannot digest on its own. Unlike other carbohydrates, which break down into small sugar molecules and get absorbed in your body, fibre passes through your body almost fully intact. We eat fibre for many other reasons like maintain our blood sugar level as it slows down the absorption and prevents any spike in blood sugar levels after meals. It also lowers your cholesterol and helps to remove it from your body and reducing the risk of heart diseases and it also helps you manage your weight! But too much of anything cannot be good for your body. So, what happens to your body when you over ingest fibre? How much fibre should you eat?The recommended daily intake of fibre is 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. However, some experts estimate that as much as 95 percent of the population doesn't ingest this much fibre. There could be many reasons why you might be falling short of fibre in your daily meals but you must remember the importance of it and try incorporating more of it in your diet. Many people stick to unhealthy eating habits as they are easier to make and tastier to have, but these meals do not pack the essential nutrients that your body needs. Try adding more fruits to your diet as well as essential seeds like chia seeds and look to how much your bowel movements improve along with your lifestyle. It's generally better to get fibre from food rather than supplements. High-fibre foods also provide essential vitamins and minerals. Fermentable fibres, often soluble fibres, are fermented by bacteria in the colon, aiding digestion and promoting gut health. They can be found in oats, barley, Jerusalem artichoke, chicory root, leeks, onions, and bananas. How does too much fibre affect your body?If you consume too much fibre, you may experience bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, loose stools or diarrhoea, constipation, temporary weight gain, intestinal blockage in people with Crohn's disease, and reduced blood sugar levels, which is important to know if you have diabetes. To relieve symptoms of excessive fibre intake, you can try drinking plenty of water, stopping fibre supplements, avoiding high-fibre foods, eating a bland diet, removing fibre-fortified foods from your diet, avoiding foods containing substances like inulin and chicory root extract, engaging in light physical activities, keeping an online diary of your food intake, and considering a low FODMAP diet if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It's best to get your fibre from a variety of foods, so don't rely on any one food or source. Aim for a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. While too much fiber can have negative effects, a proper amount is important for your health. Fiber is essential for regular bowel movements, cholesterol and blood sugar management, healthy gut bacteria, and preventing chronic disease.