Starch or Fiber? How Each Impacts Digestion, Gut Bacteria, and Bowel Health

This Decoding Health episode dives into the difference between starch and fiber, breaking down how each impacts digestion, energy, and the gut microbiome. The hosts explain starch as glucose-based fuel, contrast it with fiber’s indigestible role in supporting bowel health, and highlight why cellulose is central to fiber’s function. The conversation explores how fiber interacts with the microbiome, why it matters for overall health, and even foreshadows future discussions on fecal transplants. With simple explanations, structural diagrams, and relatable comparisons (like cows and digestion), this episode makes complex nutrition science both accessible and practical.