What Is Inulin and Is It Good for You?

There’s a trend hitting the gut health market right now regarding the use of inulin. Inulin is a type of prebiotic that may offer a host of gut, immune, and metabolic benefits. Recently there’s been a controversy on whether inulin actually promotes gut health. What is inulin, and can it help you? I’m going to tell you all about that today.

In fact, in this article, I’m going to share more about what inulin is and how it affects digestion. I’m also going to share more about the health benefits and different sources of inulin.

What is Inulin?

Inulin is a type of fiber made up of naturally occurring polysaccharides. Inulin is also a fructan, a dietary fiber characterized by a long chain of fructose molecules. These fructooligosaccharides (FOS) act as prebiotic fiber which feeds beneficial bacteria in your gut. Different plants produce inulin, especially chicory root, garlic, and Jerusalem artichoke.

To maintain optimal health, you need a steady supply of soluble and insoluble fiber. Inulin is a soluble fiber. You can find this prebiotic fiber in foods such as bananas, garlic, and asparagus. Additionally, you can also find inulin powder in supplement form.

How much fiber do you need per day? The daily fiber recommendation for adult men 50 and younger is 38 grams per day. Men over 51 need around 30 grams per day. Women younger than 50 need around 25 grams of fiber per day. Women 51 and older should aim for 21 grams of fiber per day.

Sources of Inulin

You can find inulin in many plants and vegetables. Examples of these prebiotic foods include leeks, onions, and asparagus. Jerusalem artichoke is another great food source of inulin. In some cases, you may even find inulin sourced from the agave plant.

In addition to certain foods, you can find inulin in many gut health supplements today. If you look at the back of a supplement package, you may see ingredients such as chicory root inulin or Jerusalem artichoke inulin. These are excellent sources of inulin powders that offer many health benefits.

However, not all fiber is created equal. If you’re following The Myers Way® or other AIP protocols, avoid barley, wheat, agave, and soybeans. This is because foods such as wheat and barley contain gluten. Agave and soybeans may also not be great choices. The reason for this is because of the potential to trigger an inflammatory response in the gut.

I recommend sticking with chicory root inulin or Jerusalem artichoke inulin. These nutritious root vegetables are incredibly rich in this prebiotic fiber. Chicory root is also a great source of pectins and cellulose. Pectins can aid in the balance of cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood¹

Inulin Benefits

Let’s talk about inulin benefits. This prebiotic fiber assists in healthy digestion and balance metabolic processes throughout the body²

Slows digestion

Refined grains, canned foods, and some fermented foods pass through the gut quickly. However, this may trigger digestive discomfort in some people. It may also reduce your body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients. Due to its fiber content, inulin helps slow down digestion, reducing these issues. Proper digestion also reduces your risk for gut issues such as leaky gut, Candida overgrowth, and SIBO.

Increases fullness

Foods that are rich in dietary fiber promote healthy digestion in a few different ways. Since some fiber can’t naturally break down, inulin acts as more of a bulking agent. It absorbs water from the intestines and helps you feel more full. Inulin is a great source of soluble fiber that dissolves in water. In turn, this increases satiety, which is that fullness feeling. As a result, this may also help maintain a healthy weight and assist in weight loss.

Controls blood sugar

Refined carbohydrates are easy to break down and tend to digest quickly. This can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels. Since inulin helps slow down digestion, sugar gets released at a slower rate. This can be beneficial for those who struggle to keep their blood sugar under control.

Reduces cholesterol

As a soluble fiber, inulin can help enhance cholesterol absorption and metabolism. This helps to reduce the buildup of cholesterol in the blood. Elevated LDL cholesterol is one of the top contributing factors to heart disease and other metabolic disorders.

Who Should Consume Inulin?

I believe everyone needs more fiber in their diet. Numerous studies suggest that diets high in fiber can reduce your risk for obesity, heart disease, metabolic disease, and more. Fiber-rich diets can also help those dealing with gut issues and autoimmune conditions.

Those with chronic gut and immune issues may get the most inulin benefits, especially those with SIBO or IBS. This prebiotic fiber also helps with fullness which may support healthy weight loss.

When choosing inulin products, be sure to check the labels. Some inulin powders may contain added ingredients, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Make sure to choose an inulin powder sourced from high-quality foods. For best results, look for Jerusalem artichoke inulin or chicory root inulin.

Formulating Our Prebiotic Fiber Complete™

Finding a high-quality inulin powder that supports your health shouldn’t be complicated. Prebiotic Fiber Complete™ is second to none in terms of quality and convenience.

Made with fructooligosaccharides (FOS), organic acacia gum, and organic banana flour, this prebiotic fiber inulin powder nourishes the gut and facilitates optimal digestion. It also features organic Jerusalem artichoke inulin and chicory root inulin. I chose these root vegetables in particular for their superior prebiotic fiber benefits. These ingredients support healthy blood sugar levels, balance cholesterol levels, and promote healthy bacteria in the gut.

Every scoop of Prebiotic Fiber Complete™ supports optimal gut and immune health. This easy-to-mix inulin powder is great in drinks and baked foods. It’s one of the simplest ways to give yourself an extra fiber boost! For best results, take 30-60 minutes before a meal. 

Final Word on Inulin

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding inulin right now. Inulin is a type of soluble fiber that can help those dealing with gut issues such as leaky gut, SIBO, and IBD. By acting as a prebiotic fiber, it may help increase the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Jerusalem artichoke inulin and chicory root inulin are superior sources of inulin due to their fiber-rich, root vegetable origins. 

I struggled with gut health issues for years and empathize with your journey. In addition to fiber-rich foods, adding inulin powder supplements can promote a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotic Fiber Complete™ features both Jerusalem artichoke inulin and chicory root inulin. On top of that, this prebiotic fiber comes in a convenient powder form!