95% of Us Aren't Getting Enough of This Superfood—Here's Why That's a Problem

Is it just me, or does it feel like the wellness world has been fixated on the term "gut health" for quite a while now? I'm typically skeptical of anything that equates to a health trend (especially when it comes to what we're putting into our bodies) and, similarly to CBD, it feels like gut health is just another product bandwagon for brands to hop on.

But unlike some trends (ahem, the Keto diet), feeding the good bacteria in your gut actually has a ton of benefits to it from stronger immunity to lessened anxiety. Eating foods (or taking supplements, if that's more your thing) rich in both prebiotics and probiotics can make sure your gut is in tip-top shape and help you reap the benefits. Most of us know probiotics can be found in foods like sauerkraut and kombucha, but prebiotics have been lurking in a nutrient that 95% of people are actually lacking: fiber.

That means that only 5% of us are hitting a daily goal of 25 grams a day for women and 38 grams for men. Apparently, this is such a problem that nutritionists have called it a nationwide deficiency—something they've cleverly coined the "fiber gap." Yikes.

You probably already know to bulk up on fiber if you're feeling constipated and need to get things moving, so to speak, but fiber is essential for many other reasons. A healthy dose of the superfood nutrient ensures stable blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, aids in maintaining weight, can help you live longer, and, of course, aids in gut health. 

By now I'm sure you're wondering how you're supposed to get more fiber in your diet. First of all, stop avoiding carbs (another trend that really needs to die already). Seek out whole grains, add legumes like beans and lentils to your salad, and load up on veggies, says Mayo Clinic. 

But if you struggle to get enough fiber in your diet on an everyday basis, or you deal with dietary restrictions or conditions like IBS, a change in diet may not be sufficient. Supplements are an easy, simple way to up your intake without requiring a complete diet overhaul. Lauren Bosworth, The Hills alumna and founder of personal care company Love Wellness, just launched a new fiber supplement, Sparkle Fiber, that's designed to do just that, and it comes in such adorable packaging it'd be hard to forget to take your daily dose. 

The new product is packed with fiber-filled goods, like organic veggies, that promise to help close the fiber gap.

According to Bosworth, "Fiber has been misrepresented for a long time, and our goal with Sparkle Fiber is to educate our community on the amazing wellness benefits fiber provides women. From feeding good gut microbes for gut health, alleviating bloating, to improving energy, and helping hair, skin, and nails sparkle, we think fiber should be a meaningful part of women’s diets and supplement routines. We’ve created a unique formula that combines good-for-you ingredients like organic broccoli, spinach, and celery with digestive enzymes for a fiber supplement that supports the body’s daily fiber needs—all in a convenient capsule.”

Looking for ways to add fiber to your diet? Keep scrolling to shop some of our picks. 

Next up: Can Probiotics Really Help With Bloating? I Asked Experts for the Truth