Americans Told To Eat More Fiber, Warned Against Explosive Side Effects

KEY POINTS

•Most Americans do not meet recommended daily fiber intake, missing critical heart and colon cancer benefits.
•Dietitian Michelle Routhenstein warned rapid fiber increase causes gas, bloating, constipation, pain, and nausea.
•She advised starting small by adding flax or chia to breakfast and swapping fries for cooked veggies.
•Adjusting to fiber goals—including 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men—can take weeks to six months.

In a brave attempt to save America’s hearts and colons, preventive cardiology dietitian Michelle Routhenstein charted a six-month slow climb to fiber safety—because apparently, adding beans to every meal instantly can provoke gas and abdominal rebellion. Despite the clear risk of an intestinal uprising, Routhenstein promotes gradual fiber cuddling: sprinkle chia and flax synergy on morning oats, introduce half-cup stealth beans into stew, and trade fries for cooked veggies—because raw is 'too aggressive' for digestive diplomacy. So Americans aiming for 25 grams (women) or 38 grams (men) daily fiber must hydrate, stroll gently after meals, and exercise immense patience—as their gut microbiome rebuilds slowly, like a stubborn plant growing fiber tolerance instead of wild gas explosions.