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Digestion

The Lowdown on Fibre, Inulin, Psyllium Husk and Glucomannan

The Lowdown on Fibre, Inulin, Psyllium Husk and Glucomannan

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare or nutrition professional.

On social media, there is a lot of misinformation when it comes to health and nutrition advice. In fact, a study showed that less than 2% of nutrition information is correct which means that 98% of what is being shared and consumed is incorrect.

Amongst that, there seems to be a new trend everyday being promoted, some good and some harmful. One trend that is currently in the spotlight is fibre and fibre is trending for good reason.

In this article we are going to look at what fibre is, why fibre is important, the different types and a few fibre supplements.

What is Fibre?

Fibre is the non-digestible form of carbohydrates found in the cell walls of plant based foods.

Unlike proteins, fats and digestible carbohydrates, fibre passes through your digestive system largely intact. Your body cannot break it down and absorb it the way it does with other nutrients, and that is actually the whole point. That resistance is what makes fibre so powerful and important for your health.

Why Does Fibre Matter?

Imagine your gut as a garden. For the garden to thrive, you need to feed it well. Fibre is essentially the fertiliser for your gut microbiome, which is the community of trillions of bacteria that live in your digestive tract.

These bacteria are not passengers, they are actively working for you. They influence everything from your digestion and immune function to your mood and energy levels. 
Beyond gut health, fibre plays a significant role in blood sugar regulation.

When you eat fibre alongside carbohydrates, it slows the rate at which sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream. This means you avoid those sharp spikes and crashes in blood sugar that leave you feeling tired, irritable and reaching for something sweet an hour after your last meal.

For anyone focused on blood sugar balance, managing hunger or supporting long term metabolic health, this is a big deal.

Fibre also supports heart health by helping to lower LDL cholesterol, keeps your bowel movements regular which reduces the risk of constipation and certain digestive conditions, and it helps you feel fuller for longer which makes managing your food intake a lot more straightforward.

The research on fibre is consistent and compelling. It is one of the few dietary factors that almost every nutrition expert, regardless of their preferred approach, agrees on.

Different Types of Fibre

Not all fibre is the same and understanding the difference is useful. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in your digestive tract. This is the type that is most associated with blood sugar control, cholesterol reduction and appetite regulation. It feeds your beneficial gut bacteria and helps slow digestion down in a way that works in your favour.

Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water. It adds bulk to your stool and helps keep things moving through your digestive system efficiently. This is the type most associated with regularity and bowel health. You need both and ideally you are getting a good mix of each through your diet.

Most people in the UK fall short of the recommended 30 grams of fibre per day. The average intake sits around 18 to 20 grams. That gap matters and it shows up in the rates of digestive issues, metabolic conditions and poor gut health we are seeing across the population.

Fibre from a Food First Approach

Before we get into supplements, a food first approach for fibre is essential. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, oats, whole grains, nuts and seeds are all excellent sources of fibre and they come packaged with a whole host of other nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your body needs. If you are building your diet, prioritise getting fibre from real food.

Think lentils, chickpeas, broccoli, apples, oats, flaxseeds and sweet potatoes. These foods will serve you well.

However, there are times when supplementing with specific forms of fibre makes sense, whether that is because your diet needs support, you have specific health goals, or you are dealing with digestive issues that require a targeted approach. This is where the following three supplements come in.

Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a soluble fibre extracted from the root of the konjac plant and it is one of the most viscous dietary fibres that exists. What that means in practice is that when glucomannan hits water, it expands dramatically and forms a thick gel in your stomach.

This is why it is so effective at promoting fullness. It takes up space, slows gastric emptying and signals to your brain that you are satisfied.

The European Food Safety Authority has approved the health claim that glucomannan contributes to weight loss as part of an energy restricted, balanced diet. Research also supports its role in improving blood sugar control after meals and reducing LDL cholesterol levels. If you are using it for appetite management, timing matters. Take it with a large glass of water around 15 to 30 minutes before a meal and it will do its job.

Do not take it without adequate water as it can cause issues in the throat or oesophagus if it expands before reaching your stomach.

Inulin

Inulin is a prebiotic fibre, which means its primary job is to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut rather than to bulk your stool or slow digestion directly. It is naturally found in foods like chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks and asparagus but it is also widely available as a supplement and is frequently added to food products.

When your gut bacteria ferment inulin, they produce short chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, which is like rocket fuel for the cells lining your colon. Butyrate supports gut barrier integrity, reduces inflammation in the gut and has been linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer over time. Inulin also supports calcium and magnesium absorption, and consistent use has been associated with improvements in bowel regularity and reductions in harmful gut bacteria.

Start low with inulin. Because it ferments in the gut, too much too soon can cause bloating and gas. This is not dangerous, it just means your gut is adapting. It’s advised that you begin with a small dose and build up gradually over a few weeks to allow your microbiome time to adjust.

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant and it is a well researched and widely used fibre supplement available. It contains both soluble and insoluble fibre fractions, which gives it a broad range of benefits. The soluble portion forms a gel that slows digestion and feeds gut bacteria. The insoluble portion adds bulk and promotes regularity.

Psyllium has strong evidence behind it for reducing LDL cholesterol, improving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and supporting consistent bowel function in both constipation and loose stool situations. It is also gentle enough for daily long term use, which makes it practical and sustainable.

Mix it with a full glass of water, juice or a smoothie and drink it straight away before it thickens too much. Like glucomannan, adequate hydration is non-negotiable when using psyllium.

The Takeaway

Fibre is not a trend. It is a fundamental pillar of good health that the majority of people are not getting enough of. Whether you are focused on gut health, fat loss, blood sugar management, heart health or simply feeling better day to day, increasing your fibre intake consistently will make a noticeable difference. 

Start with your food, build the habit and if you choose to supplement, glucomannan, inulin and psyllium husk are three well supported options worth having in your toolkit.

Sources: 

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1510564/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38398881/
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2023/fo/d2fo01096h
https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(23)05241-1/fulltext