More than a gut feeling: Why your gut affects so much more than you think, and how to ensure it does its job
Ad Feature by Holland & Barrett
Recently, gut health has been under the spotlight like never before. From articles in newspapers and magazines to segments on television, everyone's talking about it.
No wonder then that internet searches for the term leapt by 124pc last year.
Good gut health is of fundamental importance to our health with studies showing our gut health may affect our immunity, emotional health, and even our sex life. So it's perhaps no surprise that we're finally beginning to understand the need to look after it.
Our 'second brain': We are just beginning to understand our gut's importance to our health
A recent survey by Holland & Barrett found almost all of us have had an unpleasant gut experience.
In fact, in the past six months alone, nearly three out of four of us have experienced a gut health issue according to the Holland & Barrett Gut Survey of more than 1,000 adults across the UK.
Looking after our digestive health and gut can provide us with a more pleasant daily experience - although just 22pc of those surveyed felt knowledgeable enough about this, despite seeking information.
So how can you help yourself?
MEET THE WONDERFUL WORLD INSIDE YOUR STOMACH
We're often told that bacteria are dangerous: they have to be wiped off kitchen surfaces and eliminated from our hands by fierce washing.
But actually our bodies are full of bacteria – and, while some can make us ill, they're not all bad. In fact, many are required for a normal gut.
The highest concentration is in our lower gastroinestinal/GI tract. There, living in something called the microbiome, are TRILLIONS of bacteria – so many that altogether they weigh a staggering five pounds (the same as our brains!).
But it wasn't until towards the end of the 20th century that much more research was done into the link and the astounding effect our guts have on our overall health was discovered.
Alex Glover, the Holland & Barrett senior nutritionist, says: 'Our gut is where all the nutrients from our food are absorbed, many immune cells are produced and several hormones and neurotransmitters, so a well-functioning gut affects almost all areas of our health.'
WHAT THE BACTERIA DO FOR US
Officially we need a diverse range of bacteria in our gut microbiome. The composition of bacteria in the gut changes over our lifetime with infant microbiomes being very different to those of adults. If you've a good balance of 'friendly' live cultures in your tummy, you shouldn't experience many problems.
And although we may not first realise, our gut has a much more far-reaching effect – and on almost every part of the body. No wonder it's often referred to as our 'second brain'.
On-going research has shown that our gut may affect our emotional health, but scientists have also found that having the right kind of microbes inside us can actually have an impact on other biological proceeses in the body.
SHOW YOUR TUMMY SOME LOVE
So how can you look after and nourish your microbiome? You need to feed the good bacteria already there with the food they love to make them multiply.
They adore fibre – so make sure you include lots of wholegrains, fruit, veg, legumes and beans in your meals. And upping your intake of fermented foods (not just yogurt but miso, sauerkraut and kefir) will also help.
Ditch the convenience and fast foods and take up exercise (or do more), and you should soon experience the rewards.
Get active! Doing some - or more - exercise can help keep your gut happy
If this seems like a big effort, don't worry, there's an even easier way to enrich the good bacteria in your stomach.
Used alongside a healthy gut-friendly lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating, supplements are a great way to get friendly bacteria into your gut with hardly any effort.
Holland & Barrett has a great range including Acidophilus (£29.99 for 120 capsules) which has a massive ten billion live bacteria in every capsule. These are proven to reach the gut alive, and you just need to take one a day to benefit from their four live strains.
Alternatively, and if you feel you'd benefit from a little more focus, the Gut Powered Focus capsules (£13.99 for 30 capsules) deliver not only ten billion live bacteria, but also iron for cognitive function as well as resveratrol, cocoa, vitamins and minerals.
SOURCE: 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6779243/
WANT SOMETHING MORE? TRY TRIBIOTIC
What if you can look after your gut microbiome…and something else too? That's the great idea behind Holland & Barrett's new and exclusive Tribiotic range.
Not only does each capsule contain a huge 35 billion friendly bacteria proven to reach the gut alive but also the food they love to munch on.
Hollad & Barrett's new and exclusive Tribiotic range will help you look after your gut
Plus, there's calcium lactate to give you more of the good stuff produced by your tummy's bacteria.
But if that wasn't enough, there are four different products in the range each with a little something special to help other areas of your wellness.
Why not try:
Tribiotic Women's Intimate Health (£27.99 for 60 capsules)
Formulated to supplement the strains of bacteria found in women's vaginas, this also contains a high-strength cranberry extract which is packed with condensed tannins which are important for females.
Tribiotic Metabolism (£28.99 for 60 capsules)
Green tea is bursting with antioxidants which research suggests can keep your body burning calories for a while as you lie on the sofa. So naturally it's in this H&B newbie along with Vitamin B6 which also plays a vital role in keeping your metabolism healthy.
Helps the gut and more: Holland & Barrett's Tribiotic Immunity, left, and Mind Balance, right
Tribiotic Immunity (£27.99 for 60 capsules)
This product contains bacterial strains that enrich your gut microbiome alongside extra selenium and vitamin D which support our precious immune systems to keep us healthy.
Tribiotic Mind Balance (£27.99 for 60 capsules)
Mind Balance doesn't just contain good bacteria but also ashwagandha, a natural herbal supplement thought to support relaxation, and Vitamin B12 which helps normal psychological function.
Visit your local H&B store, download the app or head to hollandandbarrett.com to explore the range
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