The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee This Cardiologist Eats 90 Grams of Fiber a Day—Here's Why
Aug 5, 2025
Dr. Danielle Belardo, a cardiologist and founder of Precision Preventive Cardiology, emphasizes the heart health benefits of fiber, advocating for a staggering 90 grams daily. She reveals how fiber can reverse heart disease and protect against conditions like cholesterol and diabetes. Dr. Belardo discusses how to safely increase fiber intake, why some experience bloating, and shares practical high-fiber food swaps. Plus, she highlights the importance of apps like MyFitnessPal for tracking nutrient intake and dispels myths about modern fad diets affecting heart health.
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Cardiovascular Disease Is Largely Preventable
- Most cardiovascular disease is preventable and diet and lifestyle are foundational treatments.
- Diet and lifestyle are class I recommendations across cardiology guidelines for prevention and treatment.
Track And Ramp Up Fiber Slowly
- Track your fiber intake using an app like MyFitnessPal to know your baseline and progress.
- Increase fiber slowly (about 3–5 g/day) and hydrate (~64 oz/day) to avoid gas and bloating.
Aim For At Least 40 Grams Daily
- Aim for at least 40 g of fiber per day; target 40–60 g if you have high cholesterol, hypertension, or elevated glucose.
- There's no strict upper limit—eat as much fiber as you tolerate and enjoy.