{
  "id": 9340769,
  "title": "Fiber is both diet fad and fixture for good health – a doctor explains why there is no one-size-fits-all way to increase your intake",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/fiber-is-both-diet-fad-and-fixture-for-good-health-a-doctor-explains",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-23T12:45:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation",
    "slug": "the-conversation",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/fiber-is-both-diet-fad-and-fixture-for-good-health-a-doctor-explains-why-there-is-no-one-size-fits-all-way-to-increase-your-intake-290023"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fiber, both a diet trend and a crucial component of good health, remains a topic of interest for many. Experts emphasize the importance of incorporating fiber-rich foods into one's diet, as it has been linked to numerous health benefits. However, despite these advantages, there is still a significant gap in daily fiber consumption among Americans. The recommended daily intake is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, but only 4% of U.S. adults met this goal from 2013 to 2018, with an average intake of around 16 grams a day.\n\nFiber can be found in a variety of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Foods like raspberries, avocados, oats, and lentils are particularly high in fiber. Additionally, fiber supplements like psyllium husk powder, known as Metamucil, are also available and can be added to foods or consumed as a standalone supplement.\n\nNot all types of fiber are the same, as they have different health benefits. Psyllium, a viscous fiber that forms a gel when mixed with water, can aid in early satiety, cholesterol reduction, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure control, modest weight loss, and more regular bowel movements. Fermented fibers, on the other hand, are fermented by gut bacteria, which produce proteins that can lower inflammation in the body. Examples of fermented fibers include inulin, extracted from chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes.\n\nThe American dietary guidelines may seem contradictory, as they highlight the importance of whole grains while placing high-fiber whole grains at the bottom of an inverted food pyramid. Nonetheless, the science supports the health benefits of a high-fiber diet. To incorporate more fiber into your diet, it's essential to consider factors such as cost, accessibility, and tolerability. Some high-fiber options, like berries, can be pricey, while others, such as highly fermentable fibers like inulin, may cause bloating and discomfort, especially if the body isn't accustomed to them.",
  "summary": "Americans aren’t getting enough fiber in their diets. Luckily, there is a plethora of ways you can increase your daily dose of fiber without upsetting your stomach or breaking the bank.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Medical Xpress",
        "title": "Fiber is both diet fad and fixture for good health—why there is no one‑size‑fits‑all way to increase intake",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/fiber-is-both-diet-fad-and-fixture-for-good-health-why-there-is-no",
        "published": "2026-09-23T15:40:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}