Not All Fiber Is Created Equal: Why Preme Offers the Gentlest Fiber Solutions for Chronic Gut Conditions

At Preme, we understand that when it comes to digestive health—especially for those with chronic gut conditions—the type of fiber you consume can make the difference between relief and regret. While many brands promote fiber supplements for digestive health, not all fibers are created equal, particularly for sensitive systems.

All of our products are designed by 2 women who have struggled with their own chronic gut issues and other autoimmune experiences, our founder, Xeba Zareie, and our functional medicine doctor, Juliana King. 

Our Premium Fiber Approach vs. Standard Industry Options

Preme stands apart from the rest because of our deliberate decision to only incorporate prebiotic fibers that are the most scientifically backed, foodmap friendly (bloat friendly) options on the market. Here's how we compare: 

SunfiberⓇ (Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum)

PHGG (partially hydrolyzed guar gum), was designed and science backed to be the gold standard for gentle, effective digestive support. Found in our gentle prebiotic fiber and our hot cocoa, PHGG is different from the gut irritant gums you see like guar gum or xanthum gum. It is truly incredible, easy to digest, functional medicine doctor prescribed, and something Xeba, our founder has personally used almost every day since 2020. 

  • Science backed: impactful for all gut types but also proven to be safe and effecctive for IBS & SIBO patients. 
  • Minimizes gas & bloating.
  • Bowel Regulation: Uniquely addresses both constipation & diarrhea. Xeba finds it is great for a stomach bug or food poisoning. 
  • Leaky Gut Support: supports the growth of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) like butyrate.
  • Low FODMAP certified: Sunfiber is officially Monash certified. 
  • Organic Soluble Fiber
  • Invisible integration: Completely dissolves without affecting taste or texture

ActazinⓇ (Organic Green New Zealand Kiwifruit Extract)

This specialized kiwifruit extract, found in our kiwi lemonade, provides natural digestive support, a centuries old tradition in New Zealand culture. Kiwis do this through multiple mechanisms:

  • Enzyme activity: Contains actinidin that aids protein digestion i.e. meat, beans.
  • Gentle motility support: Naturally enhances gut movement without urgency.
  • Prebiotic action: Supports beneficial bacteria without aggressive fermentation.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Helps soothe irritated digestive tracts. 
  • Complete fiber matrix: Delivers fiber in its natural plant matrix for better tolerance.
  • Soluble + Insoluble source of fiber

LivauxⓇ (Organic Gold New Zealand Kiwifruit Extract)

This targeted prebiotic found in our kiwi lemonade, specifically nourishes key beneficial bacteria:

  • Selective prebiotic: Specifically promotes F. prausnitzii, a probiotic - or good gut bacteria - related to strong immunity, digestion, and metabolism - often depleted in people with chronic gut conditions. 
  • Gut barrier i.e. Leaky Gut Support: Enhances production of butyrate - a SCFA - that strengthens the intestinal lining, supporting less inflammation, fatigue, and better skin overall. 
  • Minimal Fermentation Discomfort: Much less likely to cause gas and bloating than standard prebiotics (FODMAP friendly)
  • Soluble + Insoluble source of fiber

How Other Fiber Brands Fall Short for Sensitive Guts

Many popular fiber supplements and products rely on ingredients that—while considered fiber—can exacerbate symptoms in those of us with chronic (gut) conditions. Let’s break down why other brands like Hilma, BelliWelli, Blume, Metamucil may not be ideal for sensitive systems:

Acacia Gum

While better than many fiber options, acacia gum still has limitations compared to our premium prebiotic fiber:

  • Gritty texture: Often detectable in beverages and can leave a textural residue
  • Moderate fermentation potential: Can still produce gas in sensitive individuals
  • Limited targeted benefits: Doesn't offer the specific microbiome support of Preme Food’s prebiotic fibers. 

Psyllium Husk (Found in Metamucil and similar products)

  • High Swelling Capacity: Creates significant bulk that can cause discomfort
  • Primarily Addresses Constipation: Less effective for diarrhea or mixed IBS or SIBO symptoms
  • Potential Allergenicity: Can trigger sensitivities in some individuals
  • Requires Significant Water: Insufficient hydration can worsen constipation
  • Limited Microbiome Benefits: Primarily mechanical action rather than prebiotic support
  • Potential for Obstructions: May cause blockages in those with narrowed digestive tracts
  • Can block the absorption of a key mineral: Magnesium 

Inulin, Chicory Root & Jerusalem Artichoke

  • These popular prebiotic beverages like Blume, Olipop, and Poppi can be particularly problematic for sensitive guts:
  • High FODMAP content: Known trigger for IBS symptoms
  • Rapid Fermentation: Known to cause significant gas, bloating and discomfort
  • Low Tolerance Threshold: Even small amounts can trigger symptoms
  • Front-Loaded Fermentation: Ferments primarily in the first part of the colon, causing concentrated gas
  • Aggressive Prebiotic Action: Too stimulating for sensitive microbiomes
  • Poor Dose Control: Often hidden in multiple food products, making total intake difficult to track

Fruit Fibers (Apple, Citrus, etc.)

  • Variable FODMAP Content: Many fruit fibers contain FODMAPs that trigger IBS
  • Less Targeted Action: General fiber benefits without specific therapeutic properties

The Preme Foods Difference for Chronic Gut Conditions

For those suffering from ongoing digestive issues like IBS, IBD, SIBO, or leaky gut, the standard approach to fiber can actually worsen symptoms. Here's why our approach makes a critical difference:

1. Specifically Formulated for Hypersensitive Guts

Common fiber supplements might not feel irritating to the average customer, but that doesn’t mean your stomach is enjoying the process. According to Axion News, these harsher fiber supplements can be linked to worse outcomes, like more bloating and pain. “Intuitively, fibers like inulin and chicory root have never felt good to my stomach,” says Xeba. Our blend is specifically engineered for those whose digestive tracts are more reactive, inflamed, or damaged - which is unfortunately, a growing number of the population. 

Unlike brands that simply repackage common fiber ingredients like psyllium or inulin, we've selected specialized fibers based on their performance in studies involving patients with actual gut disorders—not just healthy volunteers. While most fiber supplements block out the absorption of other key nutrients, we’ve hand selected ingredients that can work hand in hand together to give you results you can feel and notice! 

2. Multi-Pronged Approach to Gut Health Support

Chronic gut conditions rarely have a single cause. Our multi-pronged approach addresses different aspects of gut dysfunction:

  • Mechanical support: Proper stool formation and transit time
  • Microbiome support: Targeted nourishment of beneficial bacteria
  • Barrier function: Enhanced production of compounds that strengthen gut lining
  • Enzyme activity: Natural digestive enzymes to aid nutrient breakdown
  • Anti-inflammatory action: Compounds that help reduce gut inflammation

3. Compatible with Therapeutic Diets

Many people with chronic gut issues follow specialized diets like low FODMAP, specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), or gut and psychology syndrome diet (GAPS). Unlike most fiber supplements that conflict with these approaches, our ingredients have been specifically tested and validated as compatible with these therapeutic diets.

4. Start Low, Go Slow Approach

At Preme we like to acknowledge that fiber introduction is recommended to be gradual in sensitive systems. We provide clear guidance on starting with minimal amounts and slowly increasing based on individual tolerance—a crucial consideration often overlooked by mainstream fiber supplements.

Real Results for Real Gut Issues

While conventional gut health products might claim to "gut-building" or "support digestive health," Preme addresses the specific challenges faced by those with chronic gut conditions:

  • For IBS Sufferers: Our blend helps normalize bowel function without triggering pain or bloating, and Xeba finds it can even help travelers bloat. 
  • For Those With SIBO: Our ingredients support healthy motility without feeding bacterial overgrowth i.e. we don’t believe in using probiotics or bloating fibers in our everyday products. 
  • For Leaky Gut Concerns: LivauxⓇ and SunfiberⓇ as well as hyaluronic acid and bovine (grass-fed) collagen peptides specifically enhances compounds that strengthen the intestinal barrier
  • For Inflammatory Conditions: The natural anti-inflammatory properties in our kiwifruit extracts help calm irritated digestive tracts. A lot of our customers report feeling “soothed,” from Preme. 

The Clear Choice for Sensitive Systems

When comparing fiber options, and you have a sensitive stomach, the difference between Preme and conventional alternatives isn't just a matter of preference—it can be the difference between progress and setbacks on your healing journey.

By choosing specialized, science backed, functional medicine doctor prescribed prebiotic fibers like SunfiberⓇ, ActazinⓇ, and LivauxⓇ over conventional options like psyllium, acacia, gum, inulin, or chicory root, we've created a truly gentle approach to fiber supplementation that works with your body, not against it.

For anyone struggling with ongoing digestive issues, or if you are shopping for children, the careful selection of fiber type isn't just important—it's essential. At Preme, we've done the research and formulation work to provide the most gut-friendly fiber solution available, because we believe everyone deserves to feel included in the snack aisle, even those with the most sensitive systems.

Note: Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a diagnosed digestive condition.

 

Back to blog