Home › Nutrient
NutrientDietary fibre
Dietary fibre refers to the indigestible parts of plant foods – such as wholegrains, legumes, vegetables and fruit – that feed your gut bacteria, improve stool consistency and protect the gut lining. The recommended daily intake is 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women, yet most people in the West fall short. Building up your intake gradually through ordinary food is sufficient; extreme fibre-loading ('fibermaxxing') offers no additional benefit beyond simply meeting the recommended amount.
Related questions
What does eating fibre do to your gut microbiome and your long-term health?
8 studies
Is fibre-maxxing (eating as much fibre as possible) healthy?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 8 studies
Does eating a high-fibre diet protect against colorectal cancer?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 7 studies
Does eating more fibre help against high blood sugar?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 7 studies
How much fibre do I need and why?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 6 studies
Does eating a high-fibre diet help with constipation as you get older?
Preliminary evidence · 6 studies
Do prebiotics, the fibres that feed your good bacteria, work just as well as probiotics?
No · Moderate evidence · 5 studies
Can you strengthen your immune system by eating more fibre?
Preliminary evidence · 4 studies