“Typical hunter gatherers probably consumed 130 to 150 grams of fiber a day,” says Gundry. In fact, researchers who studied the Hadza population in northern Tanzania (who are considered one of the last traditional hunter gatherer tribes) found that they consumed around 150 grams of fiber daily and had thriving, diverse gut microbiomes—and among the Hadza population, chronic disease is rare.
Of course, 150 grams is a much, much higher quota than the recommended 25 to 38, and that doesn’t mean you absolutely have to meet this threshold. But, says Gundry, “The average American, if you’re lucky is getting maybe 20 grams of fiber.” There’s no magic number, as we noted above, but Gundry (and other health authorities) would recommend upping your intake to better your chances of overall health. Essentially: Think of 25 to 38 grams as a starting point, not a finish line.