The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
recommends consuming 20 to 35 grams of
fiber a day for adults. Americans consume
only 15 grams a day on average.4 People
often eat too many refined and processed
foods from which the natural fiber has been
removed. A health care provider can help
plan a diet with the appropriate amount of
fiber. A list of high-fiber foods is shown on
page 8. People prone to constipation should
limit foods that have little or no fiber, such as
ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed foods.