Gut Health: Fiber

Increased fiber = key to longevity?

A new series on the topic of gut health was launched last week here on Healthy in Bulk. In today’s discourse, we’ll discuss the role fiber plays in promoting a healthy gut. Head back and read part 1 (linked here) if you didn’t have the opportunity or want a refresher before reading any further.

Remember the word probiotic refers to live bacteria that work to promote beneficial growth and diversity of the gut microbiome. These microbes must have a fuel source to survive which is in part what makes today’s conversation so meaningful. Fiber (a primary fuel source) is a broad term encompassing the components of plants that are unable to be digested in a typical fashion which leads to the benefits to follow.

Certain types of fiber are fermented by gut microbes in the large intestine which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a byproduct.¹ These SCFA’s are not only critical for maintaining acidity and gut lining integrity but they also act as a potent anti-inflammatory and they regulate the immune system.

Link between fiber consumption and mortality: