Fibre, also known as roughage, is an important for your overall health. A person needs fibre for digestion, weight control, to manage cholesterol and blood sugar and to stregthen bones. However, have you ever thought what happens when you over-digest it?The recommended daily intake of fibre is 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. However, experts suggest that some experts estimate as much as 95 per cent of the population doesn’t ingest this much fibre. Meanwhile, ingesting too much fibre, while uncommon for most people, can lead to several uncomfortable digestive and health-related side effects. 1. Bloating Consuming high levels of fibre, especially insoluble fiber found in whole grains, vegetables, and nuts, can increase gas production during digestion, causing bloating. This happens as fibre-rich foods pass through the large intestine and ferment, leading to the buildup of gas.2. Abdominal Pain Too much fibre can cause the digestive system to work harder than usual, leading to abdominal cramping or discomfort. This occurs as fiber moves slowly through the intestines, increasing the workload on the digestive muscles. 3. Flatulence (Gas) Fibre-rich foods, especially legumes, vegetables, and grains, produce gas as they break down in the intestines. This is a normal byproduct of digestion, but excessive fibre can lead to more gas than the body can comfortably handle.4. Loose Stools or Diarrhea Soluble fibre, found in oats, beans, and fruits, absorbs water, which can help with regularity. However, too much soluble fiber can lead to overly loose stools or diarrhea, as excess water may remain in the intestines.5. Constipation On the flip side, an abrupt increase in fibre without enough water intake can cause constipation. Fiber requires water to move smoothly through the digestive tract, so dehydration or insufficient hydration can lead to harder stools.6. Temporary Weight Gain High-fibre foods tend to be bulkier, and consuming too much can lead to temporary weight gain due to water retention and slower movement of fiber through the digestive tract. Additionally, fibre can make you feel fuller, causing temporary bloating.7. Intestinal Blockage (Especially in People with Crohn’s Disease) Excessive fibre intake can cause a blockage in the intestines, particularly in people with Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel conditions. Since fibre isn’t fully broken down, it can accumulate, potentially causing an obstruction.8. Reduced Blood Sugar Levels Fibre helps slow down the absorption of sugar, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. However, too much fiber may lower blood sugar too drastically, which is a concern for people with diabetes who may be monitoring their blood sugar levels closely.