Although fiber is essential if you want to maximize health and fitness, many people are getting their fiber the wrong way because of misinformation.

And the bad news here is that taking fiber the wrong way can end up doing more harm than good.

Thus, here are 6 overlooked aspects about fiber and fat loss:

1. It can solidify in your stomach: This doesn’t happen all the time, but it does happen. Most people who suffer from this condition take too much fiber too quickly. Their bodies can’t handle it and it stays stuck in their stomach.

2. There are two main types: There are two main types if fiber, each with its own unique benefits. Soluble fiber, one type, does a great job at reducing bad cholesterol. For maximum benefits, however, don’t focus on one type of fiber, get all of them.

3. Taking fiber in powdered form is not optimal: You see, fiber in powder form is not natural. In fact, it’s devoid of anti oxidants and other critical nutrients. So make sure you focus on getting fiber from the most natural and unprocessed sources possible.

4. More is not better: Just like an overdose of vitamins can be lethal, an overdose of fiber can do lots of harm. After all, when you eat fiber bacteria breaks it down in your digestive tract. This process produces lots of gas, among other substances. And if you aren’t used to this, it can create major issues.

5. An increase in fiber intake necessitates an increase in water intake: Without water, fiber has a very hard time traveling through your body. Even worse, if you get severely dehydrated while there is a large amount of fiber in your intestine, you could end up with an impaction.

6. Natural sources will always be best: You see, it’s not just the fiber itself, it’s also the nutrients and vitamins that come with it which give you the highest increase in health. So make sure you get all your fiber needs from wholesome, natural foods.

Increasing fiber intake should be down slowly with adequate intakes of water. And please stay away from supplements unless otherwise indicated by your doctor!

Writer Katherine Crawford, a fitness physiologist and former flabby arms sufferer, teaches how to get rid of bingo wings. Figure out how to get sexy and toned arms by exploring her website with advice on how to do arm workouts for women right now!