In a world where modern diets often lack fibre-rich foods, our gut health is compromised, affecting both our physical and mental well-being. However, a recent study has unveiled the potential of guar gum in creating a thriving gut environment and bolstering mental health.
In Japan, there has been a decline in dietary fibre intake due to the westernization of diets. However, dietary fibre plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy intestinal environment. It is not only utilised by beneficial microbes but also offers numerous benefits to the host’s overall well-being, including immune balance, the production of beneficial metabolites, and the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. In particular, insufficient fibre intake can lead to imbalances in intestinal microbiota and digestive disorders such as constipation and diarrhea.
Emerging research has highlighted the impact of intestinal microbiota on both physical and mental health, contributing to various diseases and conditions such as obesity, lifestyle-related disorders, and even mental health disorders. Recently, a team of researchers in Japan delved deeper into the topic and investigated the effects of partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG)—a water-soluble dietary fibre—on constipation, intestinal microbiota and mental health in healthy subjects.
“In a placebo-controlled study with a randomised, double-blind design, we assigned healthy male and female volunteers to three groups: T0 (placebo), T3 (3 g/day of PHGG) and T5 (5 g/day of PHGG). Over eight consecutive weeks, the participants’ fecal characteristics, fecal microbiota, defecation patterns, and quality of life (QOL) were assessed,” explained study’s lead and corresponding author, Aya Abe, from the Nutrition Division at Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd.
The team observed significant suppression of harmful mucolytic bacteria in the T3 and T5 groups compared to the placebo group (T0). Moreover, the dietary fibre intake groups showed improvements in defecation frequency, excretory feeling, sleep quality and motivation, with the T5 group showing the most significant differences compared to the placebo group.
The team reported their findings in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition.
“Our findings highlight the importance of dietary fibre in maintaining a healthy gut and its potential impact on overall well-being,” said Abe. “Incorporating fibre-rich foods and considering prebiotic supplements such as PHGG could offer significant benefits for both physical and mental health.”
The team recommends further research in this area to fully comprehend the potential of dietary fibre and its impact on the intricate relationship between the gut and the brain.