Is eating more vegetables always better?

Fibre offers many health benefits, especially for digestion and weight control.

But does a higher fibre intake always mean better health?

Not necessarily—too much fibre can actually cause discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.

If you struggle with constipation, increasing your intake of insoluble fiber in moderation may help. However, if you have a sensitive gut, particularly conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), excessive fibre consumption can lead to bloating, abdominal pain, or other discomforts. In such cases, it's best to choose easily digestible fibre and gradually increase your intake.

While fibre is beneficial for overall health, consuming too much at once may lead to issues such as:

• Excessive bloating and gas

• Digestive discomfort, especially with excessive insoluble fiber intake

Additionally, fibre needs water to pass through the digestive system (especially the colon). Without enough water, high fibre intake may actually worsen constipation. So,

when increasing fibre in your diet, remember to also drink plenty of water to support digestion.

Author: Angel Soh (Dietitian in Dietitian Mate Consultancy & AMODS)