E259: Unlocking the Power of Fiber for Gut Health with Zbiotics co-founder Zack Abbott

Zack Abbott is the CEO and Co-founder of ZBiotics, and the inventor of ZBiotics' proprietary technology. He has a PhD in microbiology & immunology from the University of Michigan where he studied bacterial gene regulation. Prior to starting ZBiotics, Zack worked in clinical trial design as well as researching HIV vaccines and pursuing novel antibiotics in both academia and industry. Learn more about Zack on Episode 183 where we dive into the pre-alcohol probiotic he created.

In this episode, Zack discusses the significance of fiber in gut health and introduces his new product, Sugar to Fiber. The conversation highlights the common fiber deficiency among Americans, the various benefits of fiber, and the innovative approach of using probiotics to convert sugar into fiber, enhancing dietary diversity and gut health. 

Episode Highlights:

• Most people are fiber-deficient. 🥦 Many Americans don’t get enough fiber, which is essential for digestion, metabolism, and overall gut health.

• Probiotics do more than support digestion. 🦠 They play a key role in gut balance, immune function, and even how our bodies process certain foods.

• Genetic engineering in food isn’t always bad. 🔬 When used responsibly, it can create innovative solutions to improve health and nutrition.

• Fiber fuels a healthy gut microbiome. 🍏 Eating a diverse range of fiber-rich foods helps nourish good bacteria and supports long-term health.

• Small changes make a big impact. 🚀 Simple shifts—like prioritizing fiber and choosing the right probiotics—can significantly improve digestion and well-being.

Chapters: 05:03 The Importance of Fiber in Gut Health 19:51 Introducing Sugar to Fiber Product 26:45 Understanding Sugar to Fiber Conversion 29:12 Benefits of Fiber and Probiotics 38:18 The Positive Use of Genetic Engineering 40:53 Product Composition and Usage