Is Fibre the New Protein?
- Vicky Groves
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
What the Latest BBC Health Article Reveals About Gut Health
For years, protein has dominated the health and wellness conversation from gym culture to weight loss plans and packaged foods proudly displaying “high protein” labels.
But a recent BBC News health article asks an important question: Is fibre the next nutrient finally getting the attention it deserves?
And the answer, according to growing research, appears to be yes.
Why Fibre Is Suddenly Back in the Spotlight
Fibre has long been associated with digestion, but science now shows its influence goes far beyond bowel regularity.
The BBC article highlights how fibre:
Feeds beneficial gut bacteria
Supports gut diversity
Helps regulate blood sugar levels
Plays a role in inflammation and immune health
May influence long-term health and ageing
Unlike protein, which we digest, fibre largely passes through the small intestine untouched reaching the large intestine, where it becomes fuel for our gut microbiome.
This is where the real magic happens.
Fibre and the Gut Microbiome: A Two-Way Relationship
Your gut microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms that rely on fibre to survive and thrive.
When these bacteria ferment fibre, they produce short-chain fatty acids that:
Support the gut lining
Help reduce inflammation
Communicate with the immune system
Influence metabolic and hormonal health
Without enough fibre, beneficial bacteria struggle and less helpful strains can take over.
This is why fibre intake isn’t just about how much you eat, but what types you consume.
The Fibre Gap: Why Most People Aren’t Getting Enough
Despite the growing awareness, the majority of people still fall well short of recommended fibre intake.
Modern diets often lack:
Whole grains
A wide variety of vegetables
Legumes and pulses
Resistant starches
Even people who eat “healthily” may not be feeding their gut bacteria the diversity they need.
This is where personalised insight becomes important.
Why Gut Health Is Individual
One key point raised in the BBC article is that gut health is highly individual. Two people can eat the same diet and have completely different gut responses.
That’s why guessing often leads to frustration.
A gut health test can help identify:
Microbial balance
Digestive resilience
Areas that may benefit from targeted support
Instead of adding supplements blindly, testing allows for a more informed, personalised approach.
Supporting Fibre Intake in a Modern Lifestyle
For some people, dietary changes alone aren’t always enough especially with busy schedules, digestive sensitivities, or restricted diets.
This is where prebiotic fibre blends can be useful.
Prebiotics are not probiotics they don’t add bacteria. They feed the beneficial bacteria you already have.
Products like Zinobiotic+ are designed to deliver multiple types of gut-feeding fibres, including beta-glucans and resistant starches, helping support microbial diversity and digestive balance.
Final Thoughts
Protein will always matter but fibre is no longer the quiet nutrient in the background.
As the BBC article highlights, fibre may be one of the most important (and overlooked) foundations of long-term health particularly when it comes to gut function, immunity, and healthy ageing.
If you’re curious about your gut health, testing and targeted support can help move you from guesswork to clarity.
Because when it comes to fibre and the gut, one size does not fit all.
BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1lze6n0e6mo
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