Global Prebiotics Week: The Transformative Benefits of Prebiotic Fiber

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are specialized plant fibers that act as “food” for the good bacteria in your gut. Unlike probiotics, which are live good-for-you bacteria that add to your gut microbiome, prebiotics help nourish and grow the beneficial bacteria that are already there. By feeding your microbiome, prebiotics support everything from digestion to mood and immune health. 

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What’s the Difference?

While both prebiotics and probiotics are essential for gut health, they serve different purposes:

• Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut. Think of them as the “helpers” that aid digestion and support immune function.

• Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that “feed” the probiotics, helping the beneficial bacteria flourish. 

In a way, prebiotics are the foundation that enables probiotics to do their best work. For true gut health synergy, a diet rich in prebiotic fiber ensures that your probiotics are well-fed and supported. 

The Transformative Power of Prebiotic Fiber

The benefits of prebiotic fiber go beyond just gut health. Here’s how getting enough dietary fiber can create a positive ripple effect throughout your body:

Supports Balanced Blood Sugar Levels: Prebiotic fiber helps slow down the absorption of sugars in your digestive system, promoting steady energy and preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar—an excellent tool for those aiming for balanced metabolic health. 

Promotes Healthy Weight Management: By enhancing feelings of fullness, prebiotic fiber can help reduce overeating and snacking and support a healthy weight. Plus, a healthy gut is closely linked to metabolic health (see above 😉), making it easier for your body to naturally regulate weight.

Encourages a Stronger Immune System: Did you know that about 70% of the immune system lives in the gut? Feeding your beneficial gut bacteria with prebiotics boosts their activity, reinforcing your body’s natural defenses and resilience against illness.

Fosters Optimal Digestion & Regularity: By adding bulk to stool and promoting regular bowel movements, prebiotic fiber supports a smoother digestion process. For anyone dealing with digestive disorders like irregularity or discomfort, prebiotics are a gentle, natural solution.

Amplifies Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut microbiome aids in breaking down food and absorbing essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Prebiotic fiber improves nutrient absorption, helping you get the most from each meal.

Reduces Sugar Cravings Naturally: Because prebiotic fiber supports balanced blood sugar levels, it also helps curb sugar cravings—a real game-changer for those aiming to maintain a balanced, low-sugar diet without feeling deprived. 

Supports Heart Health: Studies reveal that prebiotic soluble fiber doesn’t just benefit the gut—it also plays a valuable role in heart health by helping to manage cholesterol levels. 

As we explained earlier, when you consume prebiotic soluble fiber, it becomes fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. As these good bacteria break down fiber, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support various body functions, including cholesterol regulation.

Prebiotic soluble fiber acts like a sponge and actively helps to escort “bad” LDL cholesterol through the digestive system, binding to it and steering it out of the body rather than allowing it to be reabsorbed. 

This gentle “escort” helps reduce the buildup of LDL cholesterol in the arteries, a critical factor in lowering the risk of heart disease. 

By fostering a balanced microbiome, prebiotic fiber plays a dual role: supporting cholesterol management while also helping to reduce systemic inflammation, which further enhances heart health. This multi-faceted approach makes prebiotic fiber a natural ally for cardiovascular strength and resilience over time.

Empowers the Gut-Brain Connection: Emerging research highlights the connection between gut health and our mental well-being. Prebiotic fiber supports this “gut-brain axis,” supporting mood regulation, reducing stress responses, and promoting mental clarity. (Learn more in our blog on gut-brain health.) 

How Much Fiber Do You Need, and How Can You Get More?

Fiber is essential for optimal health, yet many of us fall short of the daily amount that supports true wellness. In fact, 97% of Americans do NOT get enough dietary fiber. 🤯

We recommend aiming for 30 grams of fiber daily to promote digestion and support your overall healthy living goals. (Curious about fiber for kids? Learn more HERE!)

Increasing your fiber intake doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to get more fiber into your day:

Pile on Fiber-Rich Fruits and Vegetables: Opt for a colorful mix of fruits and veggies. Favorites like berries, apples, carrots, and leafy greens are full of fiber and come with added vitamins and antioxidants.

Switch to Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, barley, and oats contain much more fiber than refined grains, adding a rich, wholesome twist to meals while supporting digestion and fullness.  

Include Beans, Lentils, and Legumes: These are fiber powerhouses, providing plant-based protein and fiber to keep you fueled. Add them to soups, salads, or as a main dish. 

Sprinkle in Nuts and Seeds: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, almonds, and walnuts offer fiber and healthy fats. Add them to yogurt, oatmeal, or salads for a simple fiber upgrade. 

Check out our vast collection of high-fiber recipes in our just better.® Recipe of the Week blog. 

Reach for a High-Quality Prebiotic Fiber Supplement

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, it’s tough to reach the recommended fiber intake from food alone. This is where a high-quality prebiotic fiber supplement can play an important role in supporting your overall health goals.

Prebiotic fiber supplements provide a concentrated, simple-to-use source of fiber that helps feed beneficial gut bacteria. For those of us with busy schedules, dietary preferences, or restrictions that limit fiber-rich foods, supplements offer a convenient solution to help close the fiber gap.

Look for a supplement that is:

• 100% Soluble Fiber – Soluble fiber is particularly beneficial for gut health and is gentle on digestion, helping to avoid common issues like gas or bloating.

• Non-GMO and Pure – Choose a product with minimal processing and no added fillers, artificial ingredients, or unnecessary additives.

• Gut-Friendly for All Ages – A high-quality prebiotic fiber should be suitable for everyone, from children to older adults, to ensure gentle support for every digestive system.

When food sources alone cannot meet your fiber needs, a high-quality prebiotic fiber supplement can be a valuable addition, keeping you on track to reach that 30-gram-per-day target goal. 

Why just better.® Prebiotic Fiber Really Is... Just Better!

When it comes to prebiotic fiber, not all options are created equal. Here’s what makes just better.® Prebiotic Fiber is a smart choice for supporting gut health, blood sugar balance, and much more.

100% Soluble Non-GMO Corn Fiber: Quality matters when it comes to what you put in your body. just better.® Prebiotic Fiber is made from a single, clean ingredient: Non-GMO soluble corn fiber; made from only the fibrous portion of the plant. This simplicity means no artificial additives, fillers, or unwanted extras—just pure prebiotic power to fuel your wellness goals.

Effortlessly Dissolvable with Zero Flavor, Texture, or Grit: One of the challenges with many fiber supplements is their gritty texture or overpowering flavor. With just better.®, you won’t even know it’s there! It dissolves completely into any food or drink, making it simple to add to coffee, smoothies, soups, or any meal without altering taste or texture.

A Gentle Option for Every Age Group: just better.® Prebiotic Fiber is designed to support gut health for everyone—from kids to seniors (and pets, too! Get more details about fiber for pets here!). 

Unlike some fiber supplements that cause gas or bloating, our fiber is gentle, meaning it’s kind to your digestive system while delivering effective prebiotic support.

Backed by Science and Trusted by Health Experts: Our founder, Kristin Hirano, MS, RD, CN, CD - CEO & Founder JUST BETTER BRANDS, is a registered dietitian who understands the science behind gut health. 

just better.® isn’t just a product; it’s a mission-driven choice backed by rigorous research and brought to you by a team of wellness experts to support your health goals.

Tailored for Blood Sugar Balance and Weight Support: If you're focused on managing blood sugar or achieving healthy weight loss, just better.® Prebiotic Fiber is your ideal ally. It supports balanced blood sugar levels by slowing sugar absorption, making it a valuable addition to anyone aimed at reducing sugar spikes, curbing cravings, and supporting metabolic health.

A True Health Essential for Every Lifestyle: Whether you’re a health enthusiast, an athlete, or just beginning your wellness journey, just better.® Prebiotic Fiber fits into every routine. It’s versatile, simple to use, and can be added to any meal or beverage—making it as practical as it is beneficial. 

Ready to Transform Your Health?

This Global Prebiotics Week, take a proactive step toward your healthy living goals and embrace the power of prebiotic fiber. Small fiber-rich changes lead to impactful health benefits, and prebiotics are a simple yet transformative addition. 

Discover just how good your body can feel when your gut is well-nourished! 

Live… just better.®!