What is Fibremaxxing and Should You Be Doing It?

In the ever-evolving world of wellness trends, “fibremaxxing” has recently stepped into the spotlight. Like many diet trends that begin on social media, it sounds catchy and science-backed, but what does it really mean, and is it right for you?

Let’s take a closer look at what fibremaxxing involves, the potential benefits, and the possible pitfalls.

What is Fibremaxxing?

Fibremaxxing is a diet trend that involves significantly increasing your daily intake of dietary fibre, sometimes far beyond recommended guidelines, with the aim of improving digestion, increasing satiety, aiding weight loss, and improving gut health.

It’s become particularly popular among those looking to manage their weight naturally, curb cravings, and optimise gut microbiome diversity without relying heavily on calorie counting.

The focus is on whole foods rich in fibre, such as:

Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)

Whole grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa)

Fruits and vegetables (especially skins and leafy greens)

Nuts and seeds

High-fibre fortified products

The Pros of Fibremaxxing

1. Keeps You Fuller for Longer

Fibre slows digestion and adds bulk to your meals, meaning you feel satisfied for longer. This can help curb snacking and reduce overeating.

2. Supports Gut Health

Soluble fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a more diverse and resilient microbiome. A happy gut can lead to improvements in digestion, immunity, and even mental health.

3. Aids Weight Management

Many high-fibre foods are naturally low in calories and high in volume. Fibremaxxing can help you create a calorie deficit more effortlessly without feeling deprived.

4. Promotes Regularity

A diet rich in fibre helps regulate bowel movements and may help prevent constipation.

5. May Lower Disease Risk

High-fibre diets are linked to reduced risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (especially colorectal cancer).

The Cons (and Cautions) of Fibremaxxing

1. Gastrointestinal Distress

Going from a low-fibre to a very high-fibre diet quickly can cause bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhoea. It’s essential to increase fibre slowly and drink plenty of water.

2. Nutrient Absorption Issues

Too much fibre may hinder the absorption of certain nutrients like iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium—especially if the fibre intake is extremely high and from supplements rather than food.

3. Over-reliance on Processed "High-Fibre" Products

Some fibremaxxing enthusiasts turn to fortified protein bars, fibre drinks, and powders. These can contain added sugars, additives, and lack the benefits of whole plant foods.

4. Risk of Masking Disordered Eating

For some, the pursuit of "filling up" on high-fibre foods can become obsessive and mask restrictive eating patterns. It’s important to view fibre as part of a balanced, flexible approach—not a rigid rulebook.

5. Not Suitable for Everyone

People with certain conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or those on low-residue diets may find fibremaxxing exacerbates symptoms.

Tips for Safe and Sustainable Fibremaxxing

Start gradually: Increase your fibre intake over a few weeks to allow your gut to adjust.

Hydrate well: Fibre absorbs water, you must drink drink more fluids to avoid constipation or discomfort.

Diversify your sources: Focus on whole foods and a variety of fibre types (soluble and insoluble).

Listen to your body: If something feels off, bloated, sluggish, or painful, pull back and consult a dietitian.

Don’t forget balance: Fibre is great, but so are healthy fats, protein, and other vital nutrients.

Fibremaxxing can be a beneficial approach to health and weight management when done mindfully and in balance with other dietary needs. While fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet, more is not always better—especially if it’s leading to discomfort or disordered habits.

As with most things in nutrition, moderation, variety, and personalisation are key. If you're considering fibremaxxing, start slow, stay hydrated, and consider consulting a registered dietitian for guidance tailored to your body’s needs.

Have you tried fibremaxxing, or are you curious about increasing your fibre intake? Let’s talk in the comments below!

What Is Fibremaxxing – And Why You Should Be Doing It

In the ever-evolving world of health and nutrition trends, a new player has entered the chat: fibremaxxing. 

You may have seen it mentioned on social media or in health forums, but what exactly is fibremaxxing, and is it worth your attention?

Let’s get into the real benefits of this growing trend, and why boosting your fibre intake might just be one of the smartest things you can do for your overall health.

What Is Fibremaxxing?

Fibremaxxing is the practice of intentionally increasing the amount of dietary fibre in your daily food intake, often well beyond the basic recommendations. Think of it as a nutritional upgrade for your gut and general health.

While the UK government recommends 30g of fibre per day for adults, many of us barely get two-thirds of that. Fibremaxxing aims to fix this by incorporating high-fibre foods into as many meals and snacks as possible, using both natural and sometimes fortified sources.

The Health Benefits of Fibremaxxing

1. Better Gut Health

Fibre acts as fuel for your gut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria that help you digest food and support your immune system. Soluble fibre also helps to regulate bowel movements and may ease symptoms of IBS and constipation.

2. Improved Satiety and Weight Control

High-fibre foods are more filling, which can help reduce overeating. By slowing down digestion, fibre helps regulate appetite and can support sustainable weight loss or weight maintenance.

3. Stabilised Blood Sugar Levels

Soluble fibre slows the absorption of sugar, which can help keep blood glucose levels stable. This is especially beneficial for people with diabetes or those aiming to avoid energy crashes throughout the day.

4. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

A high-fibre diet has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer, particularly bowel cancer.

5. Improved Cholesterol

Soluble fibre (found in oats, beans, and apples, for example) can help lower LDL cholesterol by binding to it in the digestive tract and helping the body excrete it.

How to Fibremaxx Your Diet

Here are a few practical ways to embrace the fibremaxxing lifestyle:

Start your day with oats or wholegrain cereals.

Add beans or lentils to soups, salads, or pasta sauces.

Snack on fruit, veg sticks, or nuts instead of processed snacks.

Swap white bread and pasta for wholegrain or seeded varieties.

Add chia seeds, flaxseed, or psyllium husk to smoothies and yoghurts.

Try high-fibre recipe hacks like blending chickpeas into brownie mix or using grated courgette in porridge.

Things to Watch Out For

While fibremaxxing offers a raft of benefits, increase your intake gradually. Going from low-fibre to fibre-overload overnight can lead to bloating, wind, or cramping. And always remember to stay hydrated, as fibre works best when there’s enough water in your system.

Fibremaxxing isn’t just a passing fad, it’s a smart, evidence-backed way to improve your diet and feel better every day. Whether you're looking to enhance digestion, manage your weight, reduce disease risk or simply feel more energised, fibre could be the key you've been overlooking.

However, some people should seek medical advice before starting on the fibremaxxing diet. 

For example some individuals with certain digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or gastroparesis, a high-fibre diet can actually worsen symptoms like bloating, cramping, and diarrhoea. Sudden increases in fibre can also cause discomfort even in otherwise healthy people, leading to wind and abdominal pain.

Those on restricted diets, recovering from surgery, or with certain nutrient absorption issues may also need to be cautious. It's important to introduce fibre gradually, drink plenty of fluids, and, most importantly, seek personalised advice from a GP or dietitian before making major dietary changes.

As with most trends, balance is key and more fibre isn’t always better for everyone.