Scientists Confirm the Five Reasons Why to Use Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG)

06 Mar 2014 --- By now we all know we need fiber for everything from gut health to blood sugar and weight management. And we know we’re probably not getting enough of it. Ads with celebrities chatting about their digestive systems may send us rushing to the supplement aisle. But how do we choose from among all the different products?

Finally, after reviewing more than 20 years of studies, scientists have concluded that a safe and effective fiber called Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG) – available in a variety of products as Sunfiber – has several advantages.

For a recent review published in an Italian research journal, Gastroenterology and Dietetics, experts looked at all of the scientific papers published about PHGG from the early 1990s through 2013. “They were interested in sharing their findings with gastroenterologists, dietitians and other healthcare professionals,” explains Dr. Felicia Stoler.

“They came up several good reasons why a doctor may suggest using PHGG over other types of fiber supplements.” These benefits include:
1. As a prebiotic, it stimulates the growth of healthy gut bacteria. “This supports overall digestive health.”
2. It takes longer for your body to process. “Other types of fiber tend to ferment quickly in your gut. That’s what causes gas and bloating. But PHGG ferments very slowly, so there’s significantly less discomfort.”
3. It’s been shown to be effective in adults with constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
4. It has also been shown to reduce stomach aches and other related symptoms in children diagnosed with chronic abdominal pain (CAP) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
5. Unlike other types of fiber, PHGG also helps improve diarrhea. “It’s truly regulating. It binds excess water and tends to add more bulk to the stool.

“As a nutrition expert I’m aware that even the best fiber won’t help if you don’t like how it tastes or smells. Sunfiber PHGG has no taste or odor. Plus, it dissolves completely in liquids so there’s no grittiness or gelatinous gunk at the bottom of the glass.” Stoler adds that gluten-free Sunfiber can even be added to recipes when cooking or baking.

Source: Taiyo