> **Healthylife** — Healthylife Pharmacy | Your online health destination > [Products](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse) · [Health Hub](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn) > > --- # What is guar gum and how does it affect IBS? ![A scope of guar gum powder](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/bbb6d665-fc57-4618-97e0-59bd1894deb2/LF29-guar-gum-and-ibs.webp?quality=75&auto=format) 11 August 2022|2 min read [](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/whats-the-deal-with-guar-gum-and-ibs "twitter sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/whats-the-deal-with-guar-gum-and-ibs "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") ### Jump to You may have heard of or be taking [guar gum as a supplement to help manage IBS symptoms](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25843197/).  You may also be wondering what on earth is guar gum!? ## What is guar gum? Guar gum is a type of fibre derived from guar beans, which are a type of legume.  It is commonly [used as a food additive](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13197-011-0522-x) due to its ability to act as a thickening agent and emulsifier. Foods that commonly contain guar gum include yoghurt, gluten-free baked goods, gravies, sauces and ice cream.  Additionally, it can be found as an additive in non-food products such as cosmetics and medications. Recently, guar gum has been gaining more attention for its use as a [supplement in managing IBS symptoms,](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13197-011-0522-x) especially for [constipation-predominant IBS](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/your-ibs-sub-type). ## Guar gum and IBS management Given guar gum is a type of fibre, it isn’t surprising that it has a role in digestive health. [Research has found Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum (PHGG) may support good digestive health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24711073/) and manage IBS symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating and particularly constipation.  For many individuals [use of PHGG also resulted in less reliance on laxatives](https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12986-016-0070-5). PHGG may also have prebiotic properties via promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, specifically _bifidobacteria_ and _lactobacillus_.  One limitation of a [low fodmap diet](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/what-are-fodmaps) is the restriction of prebiotics, so PHGG may have the potential to help counteract this limitation. ## Managing constipation PHGG is just one strategy that may assist in [managing constipation](https://journals.healio.com/doi/full/10.3928/00989134-20120608-01).  There are a lot of considerations that come into play when managing constipation. Need help with the low FODMAP diet? Our FREE dietitian developed program will guide you through it, step-by-step. Includes a low FODMAP food guide. [Sign up now](https://www.healthylife.com.au/programs/ways-to-eat/FODMAP-challenge). If you are experiencing gut symptoms and have not been recommended a low FODMAP diet by a health professional, get started with the [manage your gut symptoms program](https://www.healthylife.com.au/programs/ways-to-eat/manage-gut-symptoms). Reviewed by the [healthylife Advisory Board](https://www.healthylife.com.au/healthylife-advisory-board) March 2022 Spread the word [](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/whats-the-deal-with-guar-gum-and-ibs "twitter sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/whats-the-deal-with-guar-gum-and-ibs "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional. --- **About Healthylife**: Find everything you need for a healthy life: Shop over 15,000 curated health products, pharmacy, fact-checked health information, telehealth & health programs. **Useful links**: [Customer Support](https://www.healthylife.com.au/contact-us) · [Browse All](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse)