If you’ve had IBD and still deal with chronic diarrhea, fiber advice can feel overwhelming.
Some fibers worsen urgency.
Others feel unpredictable.
And after symptoms have flared before, even “gentle” options can feel risky. Especially when diarrhea hasn’t fully resolved.
PHGG — short for partially hydrolyzed guar gum — is often described as a low-irritation, well-tolerated fiber. But what does that actually mean for sensitive digestion after IBD?
This article takes a cautious, experience-based look at PHGG, what makes it different, and what to be aware of if diarrhea is still an issue.
What is PHGG?
PHGG stands for partially hydrolyzed guar gum.
It’s a form of guar gum that has been processed so that:
- the fiber chains are broken down into shorter segments
- it dissolves completely in water
- it’s less likely to thicken or gel aggressively
Because of this, PHGG behaves differently from many other fibers.
It’s commonly described as:
- low viscosity
- easy to dissolve
- gentle on digestion
Why PHGG is often described as “gentle” fiber
PHGG is almost entirely soluble fiber, but unlike psyllium, it doesn’t form a thick gel.
This means it may:
- ferment more slowly
- feel less bulky
- cause less immediate pressure or urgency
For people with sensitive digestion, this “lighter” behavior can sometimes feel easier to tolerate.
That said, gentle does not mean symptom-free for everyone.
For some people, this subtlety may also mean that effects are mild or not immediately noticeable.
PHGG and chronic diarrhea after IBD
After IBD, the gut can remain reactive even in remission.
PHGG may feel different because:
- it doesn’t speed up gut movement the way insoluble fiber can
- it’s less physically noticeable in the gut
- it tends to integrate gradually rather than all at once
Some people find this gradual effect reassuring when diarrhea is already frequent.
Others notice little change — which is also a valid outcome.
PHGG compared to psyllium and other fibers
Compared to psyllium:
- PHGG is less gel-forming
- psyllium often feels more “structuring”
- PHGG may feel subtler, but also less stabilizing for some depending on individual digestion and stool consistency
Compared to mixed fibers (like chia or whole grains):
- PHGG is more predictable
- contains no insoluble fiber
- less likely to mechanically irritate the gut
This makes PHGG an option some people explore after or instead of psyllium.
What to be careful about with PHGG
Even gentle fibers require caution.
Things that can worsen tolerance:
- starting with too much
- combining PHGG with other fiber supplements
- expecting immediate results
- using it during highly unstable symptom periods
Because PHGG is subtle, it may take time to notice whether it helps — or doesn’t.
How PHGG fits into a cautious fiber approach
PHGG isn’t a cure and it’s not a universal solution.
But for people who:
- are afraid of fiber worsening symptoms
- struggle with urgency
- haven’t tolerated bulk-forming fibers
PHGG can feel like a lower-pressure option to consider carefully – not because it’s weaker, but because it behaves differently.
Understanding fiber type matters more than choosing the “right” product.
Final thoughts
PHGG is often described as gentle for a reason — but gentle doesn’t mean identical for everyone.
If chronic diarrhea is still present after IBD, approaching any fiber slowly and intentionally matters more than following general recommendations.
Sometimes the goal isn’t to fix everything, but to find options that feel less risky to try.
Building confidence with digestion often starts with understanding, not pushing.
Disclaimer: This content is based on general information and lived experience, not medical advice.
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