Feeling lackluster? Struggling with poor digestion? Stuck in a cycle of low energy and high stress? Sensing an onset of brain fog?
The key to reclaiming your energy & clarity, feeling more energised and improving your digestion:
Deep Dive: Why is gut health important
Gut health is important because it has a big impact on your overall health and well-being. Your gut contains a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, which are collectively known as the gut microbiome. This microbiome plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, immune function, and even mental health.
A healthy gut microbiome can help to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms, which can support digestion, boost the immune system, and even help to regulate mood and behavior. On the other hand, an unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to a range of health problems, including digestive disorders, immune system dysfunction, and even mental health issues.
Therefore, it is important to take care of your gut health by eating a healthy diet that is rich in fiber and fermented foods, staying hydrated, and getting enough exercise. It is also important to avoid overuse of antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, and to manage stress, as stress can also affect the health of the gut microbiome.
"The gut microbiome and its relationship to the brain" by Dinan and Cryan: This review article discusses the role of the gut microbiome in the development and function of the brain and how it may influence mental health. It can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4747458/
"Gut microbiota in health and disease" by Martínez et al.: This review article discusses the role of the gut microbiome in various aspects of health, including digestion, immune function, and metabolism. It can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/
"The gut microbiome in skin health and disease" by Maynard et al.: This review article discusses the role of the gut microbiome in skin health and how it may be involved in various skin conditions. It can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569659/
*naturopath quote*
Check your gut health
There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have an unhealthy gut microbiome:
- Digestive issues: These may include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Immune system problems: These may include frequent colds and infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
- Mental health issues: These may include anxiety, depression, and brain fog.
- Skin problems: These may include acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
- Unexpected weight changes: These may include unexplained weight gain or weight loss.
- Nutrient deficiencies: These may include deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health.
It's important to note that these symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, and it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these issues. They can help to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment
Need support? Here are some natural ingredients that may help:
Kakadu plum (Gubinge)
Kakadu plum (Gubinge) is nutrient and antioxidant rich. It contains vitamin E, gallic acid, ellagic acid and bioflavonoids such as quercetin, hesperetin, kaempferol, luteolin and anthocyanins.
Additionally, Kakadu plum contains the highest levels of vitamin C derived from plants.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant nutrient and a cofactor in enzyme reactions like collagen synthesis. It can protect the cells from free radical damage, regenerates vitamin E, and enhances iron absorption.
Gallic acid (GA) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Research suggests that GA has the potential to influence immune responses and enhances natural defenses against harmful microbes.
References: (118, 119, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138)
Lemon Myrtle
Lemon myrtle contains the highest recorded level of citral than any other plant.
Vitamin E, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and plant-nutrients like hesperidin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, and myricetin can also be found in Lemon Myrtle.
Citral has antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gallic acid (GA) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Research suggests that GA has the potential to influence immune responses and enhances natural defenses against harmful microbes.
References: (117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126)
Finger Lime
Finger lime contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and terpenes such as limonene.
Limonene has been reported to have anti-stress, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
References: (113, 114, 115, 116)
Zinc-carnosine
Zinc-carnosine is a compound that contains both zinc and carnosine. A number of studies have demonstrated that it has gut healing potential by supporting the repair and maintenance of gut mucosal lining.
Saccharomyces boulardii
The probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is used for gastrointestinal imbalances such as intestinal inflammatory conditions and has a number of actions including,
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immune regulation
- Suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria and parasites
- Increasing the stability of the intestinal barrier
Prebiotics
The composition and activity of the gut microbiota can be influenced by dietary prebiotics.
Prebiotics including inulin and green banana resistant starch provide a food source for gut flora and increase the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) which can improve intestinal barrier environment.
Green banana resistant starch was found to significantly increase SCFA production and increased the diversity of gut flora, in animal models.
References: (48, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62)
L-Glutamine
Research shows that glutamine supports gut microbiome, mucosal wall integrity, and modulates inflammation to improve gut health.
Slippery elm, aloe vera and marshmallow
Slippery elm, aloe vera and marshmallow contain mucilage. This substance forms a gel-like consistency when it absorbs water, providing a protective coat to soothe, protect and encourage healing of the gut lining.
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic and wound healing properties.
It's been shown that aloe vera can reduce inflammation, ulcers, and tissue damage associated with the inflammatory bowel conditions ulcerative colitis, in animal models.
Looking for support? "Gut Restore is a multi-action blend formulated to soothe, protect and encourage healing of the gut lining. Pre and probiotics encourage a healthy balance in the gut microbiome and antioxidant-rich native bushfoods, Lemon Myrtle, Kakadu Plum and Finger Lime are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial." - Sari Manson, Formulating Naturopath