Acacia powder, also known as gum arabic, is a soluble dietary fiber that is made from the gum of the acacia tree, which grows in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Used in ancient Egypt as part of the mummification process, the cultivation and harvesting of acacia powder hasn't changed very much in thousands of years. In modern times, it is primarily used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS.
Prebiotics
Acacia powder is a prebiotic, which means that it is the food that probitics live on. According to the Mayo Clinic, prebiotics are a non-digestible fermentable fiber used as an energy source for the "friendly" bacteria living in your gastrointestinal tract that aid in absorbing nutrients and boost your immune system.
Colonic Fermentation
Food that ferments in your colon can cause flatulence and bloating. Acacia powder reduces colonic fermentation, decreasing gas. A soluble fiber supplement such as acacia powder will keep your GI tract healthy and functioning properly which normalizes colon activity.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Acacia powder stabilizes intestinal contractions and relieves the cramping and abdominal pain associated with IBS. The soluble fiber can soothe bowel motility, meaning that it can treat both constipation and diarrhea. Most people tolerate acacia well and it has no reported side-effects. It can simply be mixed with water and has no added sugars, gluten or yeast.
Other Bowel Disorders
Acacia powder can be used to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is a condition in which you have weak spots in the colon that form pouches. One pouch is called a diverticulum, and many pouches are called diverticula. If these pouches become inflamed, it is called diverticulitis.
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