Maxxing out

The Brief

Welcome back, Wellworthy readers.

Fiber is having a moment.

From enhanced sodas to protein bars, it's showing up everywhere — and we're all looking for ways to get more.

But like most health trends, more isn't always better.

Today, we're unpacking why the source of your fiber may matter more than the amount.

Here’s what’s inside:

• A food scientist's playbook for getting fiber right

• The FIFA World Cup's most relentless opponent

• Cape Town’s latest milestone for distance runners

• FRESH THIS WEEK: Sunscreen-tracking stickers, mushroom-infused lattes, and a Keurig for your vitamins
  

Here we go!

— Jake & Joana

The Breakdown

When most of us think about fiber, we think about a number.

How many grams did I get today? Did I hit my target?

According to food scientist and GoodVice co-founder Matt Amicucci, that's the wrong place to start.

Here’s his playbook for getting it right:

It’s a control center, not a broom. Amicucci says the right fiber helps fuel the microbiome, triggering compounds that influence mood, inflammation, and metabolism. It doesn't just keep you regular; it coordinates how your body responds.

The gram count is a trap. Treating fiber like one big category is like assuming all vitamins do the same thing. One might steady your blood sugar, while another feeds the good bacteria in your gut.

Taste is the filter. Brands often use cheap, highly fermentable fibers to increase gram counts, which can cause stomach bloating. Amicucci’s view is simple: the clinical science is completely irrelevant if you dread taking it.

The takeaway

Nearly 95% of Americans don’t consume enough fiber. But before worrying about hitting a specific number, focus on finding fiber sources you enjoy and can consume on repeat. The goal isn't to maximize grams. It's to build a habit you can stick with.

Just Dropped

New products and drops spotted → 

Wellness tech & gear

The90 dropped the Gem, a smart necklace that tracks your real-time sun exposure. Instead of relying on a weather app’s broad UV index, the pendant uses a built-in sensor to measure the exact amount of UVA and UVB rays hitting your body, then syncs to an app to tell you exactly when you are at risk of burning or need to reapply sunscreen. Check it out.

Kimba released their AI-powered scent therapy device to target deeper sleep. The tabletop unit tracks your sleep stages in real time by reading your biometric data, and instead of white noise, it releases short puffs of specific, natural scents into the air. The scents are timed to nudge your brain into a deeper sleep state right when you need it. Reserve yours here.

Satisfy released its SpaceLace line for running in the heat. The T-Shirt and Long Tee use an open-knit fabric from Japan that lets heat travel out through the weave, with quick-dry, four-way stretch mesh to keep air moving against your skin. Both come in men's and women's cuts. Shop the line.

PEPPER just released their Muscle Activation Suit to make strength training more efficient. It uses built-in electrodes (EMS) to stimulate your muscles during a bodyweight workout, condensing a 60-minute traditional weightlifting session into a quick 20-minute session right in your living room. Get your suit.

Longevity & self-care

Barrière just dropped a UV-sensitive patch that tells you when your sunscreen is wearing off. The waterproof sticker goes on clear, but as you spend time in the sun, a hidden design gradually appears to give you a real-time, visual cue to reapply. Grab a pack.

Men's health brand Rugiet is moving into longevity. The anti-aging peptide world is mostly a wild west of unregulated products, so its angle is the opposite: doctor-prescribed peptides like sermorelin and glutathione, third-party tested and designed to boost metabolism and recovery. Check out the line.

Supplements & nutrition

LINC released a countertop machine they’re calling the "WHOOP of nutrition." The device holds smart cartridges of liquid vitamins and minerals and syncs with your fitness wearable to track daily strain. Based on your sleep and recovery data, it then dispenses a custom blend of nutrients into your cup, adjusting the mix as your numbers change. Join the waitlist.

LYMA released ID², a 30-day powder taken as one daily dose, and a clear example of Amicucci's point up top: different fibers do different jobs. Instead of a single fiber, ID² uses four to feed different sections of your gut, 8.5g in total, plus a built-in omega-3, a probiotic, and a full set of minerals. See the formula.

Spacegoods launched Oat Mushroom Latte, a canned version of its popular Rainbow Dust mushroom-adaptogen blend. The oat milk iced coffee packs Lion’s Mane and Maca Root alongside 120mg of caffeine for steady energy without the usual coffee crash. Try a can.

On Our Radar 

What's moving in wellness this week → 

Cape Town turns major. The Abbott World Marathon Majors just officially confirmed their eighth race. Starting in 2027, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will become the first major on the African continent. This is a massive, long-awaited moment for the global running community and global representation. 

Nike goes all in on hybrid. Nike’s Elite Training Division just signed seven new hybrid and HYROX athletes in the last week, not the usual basketball or track stars. The roster is built around strength and grit — a clear signal the brand is backing hybrid fitness as a sport in its own right.

World Cup heat wave. The 2026 World Cup kicked off last week. One of the biggest opponents on the pitch this time? The weather. With matches happening across North America in the middle of June, climate experts say extreme heat is shaping how the tournament is played, with teams relying on advanced cooling breaks that were once optional but are now strictly mandated.

Fuel the finish line. Factor just became the Official Performance Meal of IRONMAN North America, and to celebrate, the meal delivery service is launching a new Performance Collection tailored for heavy training blocks. Designed by dietitians, the line splits into two categories: Endurance meals packed with carbs for cardio recovery, and Strength meals loaded with protein for muscle repair.