It can have some digestive upsides—but it’s not a one-for-one proxy.
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In the realm of gut health, fiber is full of main character energy. You’d be hard-pressed to find a gastroenterologist who doesn’t hype the nutrient for its poop-regulating powers and ability to work wonders on your microbiome, or the colony of bugs populating your bowels. The problem is, the vast majority of folks aren’t even close to hitting the recommended daily intake, which is between 25 and 38 grams (depending on your age and sex). So if you’re one of the many people who deal with GI troubles, constipation, or less-than-comfy poops, taking a fiber supplement might seem like an easy, foolproof solution for filling the gap and finding relief.
However,thetruthisabitmorenuanced.Expertssaytherecanbemerittopaddingyourfibersupplywith,say,afiberpowderorcapsule,iflargelybecauseit’shardtohittherecommendationwithdietalone—especiallyifyou’renotconsumingplants,wholegrains,andlegumesineverymealandsnack,RenataKorczak,PhD,RDN,anadvancedpracticeregistereddietitiannutritionistwhospecializesinguthealth,tellsSELF.Afterall,mos
