The Perimenopause Gutsy Talk podcast

Fibre 101: What It Actually Is and Why Your Midlife Gut Needs It (Part 1 of 3)

Christel Lyell- Gut Health Dietitian Episode 6

Confused about fibre? You’re not alone — especially if you’re in perimenopause and navigating IBS, bloating, constipation, or a sluggish gut.

In this first episode of the 3-part Fibre Series, we’re going back to basics: what fibre actually is, why it matters so much in midlife (especially for women with IBS), and the three main types of fibre you need to know about — including the one that feeds your gut bugs and supports your immune system, mood, and more.

You’ll also hear about:

  • My surprising experience trying to hit 30g of fibre while travelling

  • Why fibre might be even more important than protein in midlife

  • How menopause, hormone shifts, and gut sensitivity change what “healthy eating” looks like

  • Why the “30 plant points” trend is helpful — but also risky if your gut isn’t ready

We’ll also talk about why most women fall short of their fibre goals — and how to build back gently, without IBS flares.

Mentioned in this episode

🔹 Free Gut Symptom & Trigger Tracker
Track your fibre, food, symptoms, stress and more — a practical tool to spot patterns and take control.

🔹 What to Eat for a Calm Gut in Midlife
A beautifully simple, non-restrictive guide to help you focus on what to eat — not just what to cut out 

🔹Fibre Starter Guide
 Watch this space — I’ll update the links here as soon as it’s available.


If you enjoyed this episode...

  • Hit subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of the Fibre Series
  • Send me a DM or reply to the email — what confuses you most about fibre?
  • Share this episode with a midlife friend who needs realistic gut health advice
  • Connect with me on Instagram @christel.gutsydietitian


🎵 Music Credit:

“Exciting Corporate” by ElevateMusica
 🎵 Download | Artist: ElevateMusica on YouTube