Happy Gut Health for the New Year

If you spend any time at all on social media platforms, you’ve probably seen a surge in video content about a subject that we often shy away from – our guts. Popular terms such as probiotics, good and bad bacteria, fermented foods and microbiome have made their way into our lives through #GutTok trends related to digestion, bloating and other GI issues. 

There are many trusted physician influencers helping to raise awareness about gut health, promoting the fact that revamping gut health boosts other important aspects of health, including metabolism, immune system and cognition. 

But as you know, social media is also full of misinformation, unsubstantiated claims and low-quality products that are not supported by science. 

To help you identify the real from the phony, we compiled the evidence-based information you need to start the New Year with a happy, healthy gut.  

FACT: a healthy gut can help you live longer

Frequently, and mistakenly, we associate our gut strictly with digestion and ‘belly woes’. In reality, the gut’s influence on our health reaches far beyond digestion and elimination alone. 

Through your gut, you break-down food from which nutrients are extracted, absorbed and used to energize cells and tissue throughout your body. The gastrointestinal (GI) system encompasses the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus, all of which play a role in the process. This much, we all know.

But it’s the dynamic and diverse ecosystem of microbes that exist deep within the gut that has fascinated scientists and led to a new frontier in health and longevity research.

Just as we need a diversity of nutrients, vitamins and minerals to sustain optimal health and energy, our gut thrives on bacteria diversity. In a 2021 study published in the journal, Nature Metabolism, researchers reported that older adults with the greatest level of microbe diversity enjoyed a longer, healthier life.*  

FACT: you have more microbes than cells in your body

Trillions of bacteria inhabit your gut with varying responsibilities, including fighting infections, synthesizing vitamins B1, B9, B12 and K, producing enzymes that break down fat, protein and carbs, and strengthening your natural defenses against harmful microorganisms.

Collectively, these intestinal bacteria comprise your gut microbiome, a supporting organ that’s sometimes called the “forgotten organ”. This ecosystem resides in your intestines and weighs about 2-5 pounds. 

FACT: harmful bacteria live in your gut

Don’t be alarmed by the presence of pathogenic, or bad, bacteria in your GI system. Within their own space in the gut, each type of bacteria has an important action in supporting health. 

But if certain good bacteria strays to an area where it doesn’t belong, such as colon bacteria that migrates to the intestine, it can throw the microbiome out of balance and reduce diversity. 

Dysbiosis is when one type of bacteria threatens to take over, which can leave you more vulnerable to germs and other unhealthy microorganisms living outside your body. It can also lead to an assortment of digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation and trouble absorbing nutrients.* 

Additionally, a microbiome imbalance can trigger inflammation associated with some autoimmune ailments.*

FACT: prebiotics and probiotics boost bacterial diversity and balance 

You’re probably familiar with probiotics – live and active, good-for-you bacteria and yeast found in certain types of yogurt and fermented foods, including kefir, buttermilk, miso, aged cheeses and sauerkraut. Probiotics also contain vitamins, minerals and enzymes that support your overall health.

Inside the gut, these diversity-boosting bacteria create an acidic environment that’s inhospitable to harmful types by creating chemicals that destroy them and restore balance. 

In addition to probiotics, it’s widely recommended that you consume plenty of prebiotics, which are plant-based compounds in food that help probiotics multiply and thrive. Fantastic sources of prebiotics are garlic, onions, artichokes, berries, bananas, barley, oatmeal and beans. 

Gut myths on social media

There’s an obsession with bloating on social media platforms, along with a seemingly infinite number of products – and influencers – sharing stories about flattening a bloated belly. 

But ongoing bloating, along with gas, irregularity and other digestive issue trouble, may signal that the GI system is in distress. Managing one symptom does not manage the problem at all. Not to mention, bloating and even gassiness can be normal side effects of healthy digestion. 

Probiotic foods and supplements are generally considered to be effective at helping to create a balanced gut environment, because they promote a diversity of good bacteria and help maintain a healthy ratio between good and bad. 

And when your microbiome is happy, your body can naturally self-correct for occasional issues of bloating, gassiness and constipation.

Clinically Backed Gut Balance

In just weeks, you can help to create a healthy gut environment that reduces daily digestive troubles, optimizes the nutrients you consume, and boosts your ability to fight pathogens. A daily gut health routine that includes natural foods high in prebiotics and probiotics can help good gut bacteria flourish.  

For added support, we formulated Gut Balance with a combination of powerful probiotics and prebiotics to optimize GI health from beginning to end. 

Gut Balance includes three strains of probiotics that deliver an army of six billion live and beneficial bacteria, plus Microbiomex®, a clinically studied, citrus-based prebiotic that nourishes healthy bacteria. In 12 weeks, you can boost your gut’s healthy response to inflammation.*   

Happy New Year to a new healthy you! Make 2025 the year of better health, a strong body, more energy and a beautiful glow. To help you kick-off the year with the right tools and nutritional supports, buy 2 get 1 free all Body Kitchen products thru January 10th!