Go With Your Gut: A Bright Spot In Food & Health
August 27, 2026
Fiber & Gut Health
The IFIC Fiber & Gut Health Toolkit provides science-based information about fiber, the microbiome, and gut health, featuring practical resources for digestive health.
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Key Messages
These these science-backed key messages to confidently answer questions and guide conversations about protein.
- What is the gut microbiome? The term ‘gut microbiome’ refers to the dynamic population of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes living in the lining of your digestive tract. These microorganisms help digest food, support immune function, produce beneficial compounds, and help maintain the gut barrier. [1] Although every person’s gut microbiome is unique and influenced by factors such as genetics, age, medications, environment, and lifestyle, diet is one of the most important factors that can shape its composition and function.
- What is fiber? Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods that the body cannot fully digest, allowing it to reach the large intestine where it supports digestive health and, in many cases, nourishes beneficial gut microbes.[2] Research continues to evolve, but evidence consistently shows that eating fermented foods and a variety of fiber-rich foods helps support a healthy and diverse gut microbiome.
- How does fiber impact the gut microbiome? Your gut loves fiber! Certain types of fiber feed beneficial gut microbes, which ferment the fiber and produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds help nourish the cells lining the colon and support a healthy gut barrier.[3]
Research
Stay informed on the latest fiber and gut health insights by exploring consumer trends.
IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions Of Gut Health
Learn MoreIFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions Of Fiber & Whole Grains
Learn More2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey: The Full Report
Learn MoreResources
From myths and facts to safety and effects, our resource collection tackles some of the hottest questions surrounding fiber and gut health.
Fiber Fundamentals
February 1, 2023
Gut Check: Postbiotics and the Microbiome
February 4, 2022
Fiber Fact Sheet
July 10, 2019
Nutrition 101: Prebiotics, Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome
April 17, 2019
Gut Check: Fermented Foods and the Microbiome
May 15, 2018
Gut Check: Prebiotics and Probiotics [INFOGRAPHIC]
November 9, 2018
Webinars
Sharpen your science communication skills with our free webinars and CPE programs. All feature expert-backed strategies for translating nutrition and health science clearly and confidently.
Downloads to Share
Make fiber and gut health conversations easier. These tools provide evidence-based insights for you and your audiences.
PREBIOTICS & PROBIOTICS INFOGRAPHIC
FIBER FACT SHEET
In the News
Catch up on the latest headlines about fiber and gut health for inspiration to help shape your own conversations around this emerging topic.
- Food Navigator Is Fibermaxxing the New Fibermaxxing?
- Martha Stewart 8 Breakfast Foods With More Fiber Than an Apple
- EatingWell 5 High-Fiber Foods to Stock Up on This Spring
- Food Navigator The Push to Define Gut Health
- Food Business News Be First to the Trend: Fiber is About to Be Everywhere