In partnership with Zenwise. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
When you hear “gut health supplements,” it’s easy to assume they’re mainly for people dealing with serious digestive issues like IBS or gluten intolerance. At least, that’s what I thought. Surely I didn’t need them for my PMS bloating or my tendency to over-indulge when going out to eat.
But the more I dug into the gut health conversation, the clearer it became that supporting your microbiome is about much more than just easing chronic discomfort. Prebiotic fiber and probiotics can support everyday digestion, reduce cravings, and help you stay full for longer.
And even more importantly, supporting gut health with fiber and probiotics has much broader benefits for overall well-being. Research increasingly shows that gut health plays a role in everything from immune function to mental health and chronic disease risk. A 2019 review in Nutrients found that gut microbiota composition may influence obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular health. Newer research also continues to explore the powerful gut-brain connection, uncovering how the microbiome may impact mood and mental wellness, potentially reducing anxiety and depression when you nurture it. Some small studies have even found that a healthy microbiome can even help manage acne. While there’s still a lot that researchers don’t know yet, it’s increasingly clear how supporting your gut benefits your entire body.
So when I came across Zenwise – a supplement brand focused on approachable, science-backed digestive support – of course I was intrigued. I’m always looking for realistic and low-effort ways to support my health, because I don’t have the patience or time for a high-maintenance wellness routine. Zenwise’s lineup promised convenience, quality ingredients, and comprehensive gut health support.
I decided to try out the Metabolism + Gut product, a daily prebiotic fiber supplement designed to support digestive health, increase satiety, and create a healthy gut microbiome. Here’s how it went:
We like
- Kept me feeling full for longer
- Minimized my tendency to overeat
- Unflavored and easy to mix into beverages
- No bloating or gas
- Helped keep me regular
We don't like
- Some products’ benefits overlap, so it may take some effort to figure out which is best for you
What Are Gut Health Supplements?
Gut health supplements can target different aspects of gut function, and you should understand the difference to find a product that will support the symptoms you’re experiencing.
First: prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.
Prebiotics are fibers, like inulin, that feed beneficial bacteria already living in your gut. They support the growth of healthy gut glora. Probiotics are the live bacteria that help support microbiome balance – which is crucial if you don’t have enough of that good bacteria to begin with. Postbiotics are beneficial compounds produced by probiotics that can support immune and digestive health.
Together, these create a more comprehensive gut support system, which is why products like Zenwise’s Metabolism + Gut covers multiple types.
Digestive enzymes, on the other hand, help your body break down food more efficiently. Different enzymes target different macronutrients (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates), so products that improve digestion overall have a blend. When taken shortly before or after a meal, enzymes can reduce bloating and discomfort. These enzymes are in Zenwise’s products like the Digestive Enzyme Mints and No Bloat.
In short: Pre- and probiotics support long-term gut balance, while digestive enzymes often provide more immediate digestive relief.
We like
We don't like
My Testing Experience:
Because I’m trying to improve daily nutrition habits rather than solve a specific digestive issue, I went with the Metabolism + Gut pre- and probiotic fiber product, which comes in a box with 28 powder stick packets, which are easy to toss in a bag and carry with you. Each packet contains 6 grams of fiber and is completely unflavored, which made it easy to work into my routine. Most mornings, I mixed one into an electrolyte drink or orange juice, though I also poured it into a glass of water when I was in a rush or on the go – it’s super easy to get down.
You can take up to 3 a day (spread throughout the day), the packaging says, but I stuck with one packet as I adjusted. I may add more in the future. It’s worth noting: if you take 2 stick packs a day, you’ll hit 10g of fiber, which increases natural GLP-1 production by 3x.
As someone who strength trains regularly and wants to build more muscle, I'm not interested in weight loss or restrictive eating. But I do have a tendency to eat past the point of fullness, especially when I'm busy, under-fueled, or out to dinner with friends. That is both 1) not great for my health and 2) wildly uncomfortable. Yet as a health journalist, I've reported extensively on the growing body of research around fiber intake and know that, like many Americans, I probably don't get enough of it from food alone. Between travel, deadlines, and eating on the go, my vegetable and whole-grain intake isn't always where I'd like it to be.
I've also tested plenty of fiber supplements over the years, and many have come with tradeoffs. Some leave me feeling bloated or gassy, while others have a texture that's difficult to tolerate consistently.
Incorporating Metabolism + Gut packets into my routine felt seamless, though. After only a week, I noticed that I felt consistently more satisfied, and the extreme hunger waves that usually wash over me most days subsided. When I went out to restaurants, I was more likely to stop when I felt full and save the rest for later, something that's never come naturally to me.
The product contains Fibersol, a soluble corn fiber that may help support the body's natural GLP-1 production, which can contribute to feelings of fullness. While I can't say exactly what was happening behind the scenes, I did notice fewer cravings and less mindless snacking throughout the day.
Just as importantly, my digestion felt consistent and predictable. I felt comfortable, regular (sorry TMI), and free of the bloating that sometimes accompanies increasing fiber intake. The probiotic strain Zenwise adds, Bacillus subtilis, probably helped to ease some of those stomach woes and keep my microbiome healthy.
I also tested Zenwise’s Digestive Enzyme Mints, fast-acting enzymes and papaya that help break down your meal and support nutrient absorption. Zenwise says it starts working within minutes, and I can vouch for that. Recently, I took two mints right after I finished a big meal (Zenwise recommends you take them before, but I forgot) and within minutes, my stomach started grumbling in a satisfying way. I never felt that classic heaviness of eating too much. The only way I can describe it is as if my food digested more quickly and efficiently than it would have otherwise—it didn’t feel like it sat in my stomach for hours. The berry flavor is tasty, and they only have a very slight chalkiness which dissipates quickly, compared to other chewable tablets.
The container was small enough that I threw it in my personal item for travel, and could stow it in my purse for dinners out. Keep in mind, though, that the mints are designed for powerful, immediate relief: They don’t have probiotics for longer-term gut health like some of Zenwise’s other supplements.
The Tribiotic Complex, a pre-, pro- and postbiotic supplement for women, and Digestive Enzyme Mints can be bought together in this On-The-Go Balance Bundle, which I recommend for immediate and long term relief.
Zenwise also has a few additional, more targeted supplements: No Bloat for bloating relief and Digestive Enzyme Relief for regular digestive issues.
My Verdict
One thing I appreciated about Metabolism + Gut is that Zenwise doesn't position it as a quick-fix weight loss supplement. Instead, they promote foundational habits that make it easier to feel your best day to day: getting enough fiber, supporting digestive health, and helping you stay satisfied between meals. I typically struggle with the constant cycle of feeling ravenous between meals, but as I took the product daily, that seemed to settle down and I found it easier to make decisions based on my true hunger levels instead of cravings.
While supplements are never a replacement for a balanced diet, if you’re looking for an approachable, effective way to support your gut without overhauling your entire lifestyle, Zenwise may be worth adding to your routine. I know I’ll be keeping the mints and Metabolism + Gut packets on hand from now on.
Take care of your gut health with Zenwise.
