The Fiber Fable: Why Ditching It Might Actually Be Better for You

The Fiber Fable: Why Ditching It Might Actually Be Better for You

We’ve all heard it: “Eat your fiber if you want a healthy gut.” Fiber’s been hyped as essential for staying regular, keeping your heart in check, and supposedly holding off all manner of diseases. But what if the fiber fairy tale is just that—a tale? For those of us on a carnivore diet, fiber’s out the door, and spoiler alert: digestion’s working like a well-oiled machine.

So, let’s unpack why the “fiber is essential” mantra might be full of hot air.

The Problem with Fiber: It’s Not Even Digestible

Here’s the unvarnished truth: our bodies can’t actually digest fiber. Fiber is a carbohydrate that humans simply don’t have the enzymes to break down. Unlike animals that are built to process fiber, like cows and other ruminants, we’re not equipped with the gut bacteria or organ systems to turn fiber into fuel. Our digestive system simply isn’t made to handle the stuff, which is why it passes through unchanged. This means that while fiber might bulk up your stool, it’s not providing you any actual nutrients.

And fun fact—our bodies once had a way to handle fiber better, through the appendix. Back in the day, the appendix likely played a role in digesting fibrous plant material, but over time it shrank as our diets changed and became more meat-based. Now, the appendix is too small and ineffective for this job, making fiber more trouble than it’s worth for many of us.

Fiber and Your Bowels: A Love Story That Never Was

The mainstream advice says fiber is the secret sauce for smooth sailing in the bathroom. Bulk up your stools, scrub the pipes clean, and off you go. But in reality? Without fiber, your body adjusts brilliantly. On a carnivore diet, you’re running on pure fuel. You’re absorbing everything you eat—so there’s not much left to waste. Fewer bathroom breaks? Absolutely. Struggling to go? Not a problem. Smaller, easy-to-pass stools with none of the straining? That’s the carnivore way.

And here’s the kicker: people with no fiber in their diet often find they’re more regular than ever. No bloating, no cramping, just smooth, reliable bathroom business. Fiber? Turns out it might be more hassle than help.

Got IBS or Crohn’s? Fiber Might Be Making It Worse

If fiber is supposed to help digestion, why does it wreak havoc for people with conditions like IBS and Crohn’s Disease? High-fiber foods can aggravate these issues big time—causing gas, bloating, and inflammation. Researchers have even found that for folks with IBS, cutting fiber improves symptoms. Imagine a quiet, calm gut without all that abrasive fiber. People with Crohn’s often see similar benefits, with less inflammation and a gentler gut.

In fact, a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that reducing fiber could lead to symptom relief for IBS sufferers. So while fiber might be a darling for the average diet guru, if you’ve got a sensitive gut, ditching it could be the answer.

Fiber: The Anti-Nutrient in Disguise

What most fiber fanatics won’t tell you? Fiber acts as an anti-nutrient. That means it binds with essential minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc, stopping them from getting absorbed by your body. So while you’re munching on fiber-rich whole grains, you’re blocking nutrients. On a carnivore diet, where you’re focused on pure nutrient absorption, fiber’s just a blocker. By cutting it out, you get better nutrient uptake, clearer digestion, and—yes—way less gas.

And that’s not all. Fermentable fibers, the ones that produce gas when they break down, can irritate the gut. For some people, fiber actually contributes to gut distress rather than preventing it. Cutting it out means no gas, no bloat, just a happy, calm digestive tract that’s humming along without a hitch.

The Science Says Fiber Isn’t Essential

It’s not just anecdotal; science backs it up. Research has shown that fiber isn’t necessary for regular bowel movements. A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that people who reduced or even eliminated fiber had fewer constipation issues. And the U.S. National Library of Medicine has documented similar findings—fiber isn’t crucial for a healthy gut.

Fiber might have some benefits for those following traditional diets, but it’s no universal health hack. In fact, going without it might be the better option.

Fried bacon is carnivore

Time to Rethink Fiber

For those of us on a carnivore diet, life without fiber is smooth sailing—literally. When you’re not clogging up the system with roughage, your body just works better. You get less gas, better nutrient absorption, and none of the digestive drama.

Fiber? It’s not essential. Not even close. So, next time someone tells you to “eat your fiber,” you can just smile, nod, and think of your easy, drama-free gut.

Patrick
Your Fiber-Free Meat Munching Coach 🥩💪

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