Now Foods Acacia Fiber Organic Powder, 340g

We have long known the profound benefits of a high-fiber diet, such as supporting bowel function, heart health, and healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within normal ranges. But the fibrous foods we eat don’t just keep us regular—they also feed our amazing microbiome.

You see, we have trillions of bacteria on and on our bodies that together make up our microbiome, widely considered another “organ” by scientists who discover how important these microbes are to our everyday health.

From supporting our immune system, digestion and metabolism, to maintaining our mood, our body-friendly microbes work hard to encourage our health, and the only thing they need is a safe place to live, and plenty of nourishing prebiotic-soluble fiber is The perfect meal for our microbes.

Like fertilizer in the garden, prebiotics give us the beneficial gut bacteria they just need to thrive in our digestive tract so they can help us stay healthy and energized. Fortunately, many plant-based foods (such as apples, oats, asparagus, and bananas) are excellent sources of prebiotics, but one particular prebiotic — acacia fiber — may be in your gut and overall health outcomes.

Benefit of Acacia Fiber

1. Encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria
A balanced, healthy microbiome is made up of at least 85% good bacteria (called probiotics) and only 15% bad ones that can wreak havoc on your health. The problem is that our modern lifestyle often depletes the friendly flora we rely on for so many life support functions. Things like antibiotics in food and medicine, excessive hygiene practices, antibacterial cleaners, processed foods, and even stress can all have a big impact on your microbiome. The good news is that acacia fiber can support your good bacterial population by giving them a hearty meal. In one study, a daily dose of gum arabic for just four weeks led to a significant increase in the number of Bifidobacterium super and Lactobacillus in the gut.

2. Soothes Sensitive Stomach
Unfortunately, some types of fiber supplements (even high-fiber foods) can cause uncomfortable gas and bloating. You see, the good bacteria in your digestive tract ferment the soluble fiber you consume, breaking it down into microbial food sources and releasing gas in the process. Sometimes this excess gas can cause digestive discomfort. Fortunately, acacia fiber ferments more slowly than other types of fiber. Studies have shown that gut bacteria ferment acacia fibers well into the distal (or last) part of the colon, while most other prebiotic fibers ferment immediately in the first part of the colon, resulting in a sudden release of gas. For people prone to gas and bloating, acacia fiber has proven to be incredibly well-tolerated, even at high doses.

3. Supports Weight Management
As an excellent source of soluble fiber, acacia can help you feel full, so you won’t want to grab an unhealthy snack to curb cravings. In fact, by absorbing water in your intestines and stomach to form a gel, acacia fiber can keep you feeling full before your next meal. Also, acacia fiber supports the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream and helps defend against the rapid influx of insulin that can lead to weight management problems. What’s more, by nourishing the good ones in your gut, acacia fiber can help support your digestion and nutrient absorption, so you’re actually benefiting from the healthy foods you eat, rather than filling in blank calories. In one research trial, 60 female volunteers ingested gum arabic for 6 weeks, significantly reducing their body mass index and reducing their body fat percentage by more than 2%!

4. Maintains the gut barrier
A healthy gut barrier that blocks toxins and harmful bacteria, while also allowing nutrients to enter your bloodstream is vital to your overall health, immune function and health. In fact, a “leaky” or overly permeable barrier can lead to overstimulation of your immune system and other health problems that keep you from feeling your best. Acacia fiber supports your most important gut barrier by promoting the growth of specific strains that produce enterotropic short-chain fatty acids. One such fatty acid, butyrate, nourishes enterocytes within intestinal cells and supports the assembly of tight junctions that seal the gaps between intestinal barrier cells.

Precaution

When taking any type of fiber-rich supplement, be sure to gradually increase your intake and get enough fluids to prevent side effects often associated with high doses of fiber, such as gas, bloating, constipation, and cramping

Now Foods Acacia Fiber Organic Powder Available Sizes