Soluble fiber (psyllium, beta-glucan, guar gum) forms a gel in the gut that: (1) traps bile acids, forcing the liver to pull cholesterol from blood to make new bile → LDL reduction; (2) slows gastric emptying and glucose absorption → blunted blood sugar spikes; (3) increases satiety via stretch receptors and GLP-1 release; (4) is fermented by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that feed colonocytes and reduce inflammation. Insoluble fiber (wheat bran, cellulose) adds bulk to stool and speeds transit time. Prebiotic fibers (inulin, FOS) specifically feed beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
Independently graded against 178,763 indexed supplements and 757 reviewed supplement and medication pairs, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.