If you’re new to the subject of gut health, let us start by saying that the scientific research and studies are all relatively new, but the findings are pretty groundbreaking.
We’re all familiar with probiotics or ‘friendly bacteria’ often found in yoghurt drinks. But we wanted to shed some light on why probiotics are key to maintaining gut balance and how they can contribute to a healthy immune system.
What is gut health?
Good gut health is so much more than just having regular bowel movements! According to Dan Peterson, assistant professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine: “A huge proportion of your immune system is actually in your GI tract” (gastrointestinal tract). This means that by eating a balanced diet that’s rich in fibre and full of diversity, exercising and getting enough sleep - your gut could help reduce the risk of illnesses.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that can be found naturally in many fermented foods like kefir or kimchi. They can also be taken as supplements and you can find them added to yoghurts, smoothies and cereals (including, yours truly, Spoon Cereals Happy Gut Granola). They are thought to make up the inner lining of our intestinal tract and work in harmony with prebiotics - the dietary fibre that can be found in plant-based foods such as oats, flaxseed and apples (to name a just a few) which feed the good bacteria in our guts.
Studies have shown that probiotics contribute to our health and wellness. However, it’s important to highlight that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to gut health, with various strains of bacteria having different functions.
Our Happy gut granola contains a probiotic supplement
Our Happy gut granola contains a branded strain of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086, called GanedenBC30. This science backed natural ingredient provides a safe and effective probiotic for everyone and unlike most other probiotics, it survives the high heat of our granola ovens, as well as extreme pH levels, as it travels through to the gut. Exciting recent studies* have shown that this particular strain could decrease symptoms and enhance the immunological response to common respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections.
Like with all supplements, it is always advised to take them on top of a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables and fermented foods… never as a replacement. Our happy gut granola provides you with the best of both pre and probiotic ingredients. Enjoyed daily with kefir yoghurt and a handful of fresh fruit, you can be on your way to a diet that's rich in fibre and diversity for a happy gut, body and mind!
