What Happens When You Neglect Your Gut Health?

Your gut does far more than simply process food. It is home to trillions of microorganisms that interact with what you eat and produce compounds involved in digestion, metabolism and normal immune function.

When gut health is overlooked, the first signs may be easy to dismiss: irregular bowel movements, constipation, bloating or general digestive discomfort. Over time, a diet low in fibre and plant variety may also reduce the range of nutrients available to your gut bacteria.

Your gut needs fibre and variety

Diet is one of the strongest influences on the composition and activity of the gut microbiome. Research suggests that diets containing a diverse range of plant foods can support a more diverse microbial community, while dietary fibre is fermented by gut bacteria to produce compounds known as short-chain fatty acids.

These compounds help support the environment of the large intestine and provide energy for cells in the colon.

Despite this, many of us do not eat enough fibre. UK guidelines recommend 30g of fibre per day, but the average adult consumes considerably less. A persistently low-fibre diet can contribute to constipation and make it harder to maintain comfortable, regular digestion.

Fibre intake should always be increased gradually and accompanied by sufficient fluids, particularly for anyone whose current diet is relatively low in fibre.

Gut health is about more than digestion

Supporting your gut also means supplying the body with the nutrients it needs for everyday wellbeing.

For example:

• Vitamin B6 and folate contribute to the normal function of the immune system and help reduce tiredness and fatigue.
• Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal nervous system function.
• Iodine contributes to normal thyroid function and normal cognitive function.
• Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.

No single ingredient or supplement can compensate for an unbalanced lifestyle. However, small, consistent changes, including greater plant variety, sufficient fibre, hydration, movement and regular meals, can help build a stronger daily foundation.

Introducing our Gut Health Supplement

We created our new Gut Health Supplement to make that daily foundation easier.

Developed by Dr Britt Cordi, PhD, it combines more than 30 carefully selected whole-food ingredients, including seeds, berries, herbs, functional mushrooms, chicory-root inulin, Bacillus coagulans and Coenzyme Q10.

The blend is naturally high in fibre and omega-3 ALA and provides vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, copper and iodine. Simply add one daily serving to porridge, yoghurt, smoothies or your favourite foods.

It is not about chasing a quick fix. It is a simple way to add greater nutritional variety to your routine and support your gut and everyday wellbeing, one scoop at a time.

Discover the new Gut Health Supplement and make looking after your gut part of your everyday routine.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.