A new survey commissioned by supplement company Benefiber documented some significant downturns in Americans’ self-perceptions of their own physical and mental wellbeing. The survey, “Re-balancing Your Routine,” found that among 2,000 people above the age of 18, 65% agree that finding a balance has been challenging over the past year, with roughly half stating that their physical health (52% ) and mental health (48%) have gotten worse since March 2020.
 
With new shifts in health routines on the horizon as COVID-19 restrictions ease, 59% of survey respondents said that they are feeling anxious about resuming pre-pandemic routines. With this in mind, the survey sought to garner insights on how Americans plan to adapt and rebalance what they do to support their overall physical and mental health, gut health, and more.
 
Just over half (52%) of Americans report that they are working longer hours, with 40% finding themselves leading a more sedentary lifestyle than before, sitting for six hours a day. Even more (53%) reported a decrease in exercise frequency. These factors could play a role in declines in gut health, Benefiber said.
 
While 71% of respondents said that they believe a balanced and healthy gut can help maintain general health and well-being, nearly half (49%) said they are not proactive in managing their digestive health. This could be why more than half (52%) of Americans are experiencing an increase in digestive problems over the past year, Benefiber reports.
 
Americans may struggle to find a healthy balance due to other changes as well – 35% worry they’ll be making unhealthy choices when they eat out, and 30% are concerned they’ll exercise less once they go back to work or start leaving their home more. Meanwhile, others are feeling positive, though. 37% expect to travel more over the next six months, and 44% say they are excited to eat out more.
 
“As people readjust to their normal routines, it can take time for their gut to catch up,” Emma Venditti, brand manager at Benefiber, said. “Increased stress and activities such as traveling across time zones and dining out after a prolonged absence disrupt the gut’s comfort as much as your own. Prebiotic fiber helps maintain a diverse community of microorganisms in your gut by feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This is why it’s important to incorporate a plant-based prebiotic fiber like Benefiber to support good digestive health.”
 
Benefiber reports that there is a knowledge gap regarding the benefits of digestive health supplements, suggesting a need for additional education on how consumers can help improve their gut health through diet, or supplements such as prebiotics and probiotics. One third of Americans believe that prebiotics are the same as probiotics, the company said.
 
Further, even though 62% of those surveyed believe that incorporating a prebiotic fiber supplement can contribute to overall gut health, only 20% stated that they have taken a prebiotic within the last year – this is despite the fact that only 5% of Americans consume the recommended daily amount of fiber.