We brush and floss our teeth every day to prevent cavities, exercise regularly to prevent conditions like heart disease, and incorporate moments of Zen to alleviate stress. But considering the gut’s far-reaching power—from mental acuity and intimate health to emotional well-being—it’s crucial to pay attention to your core, literally. What happens in the gut extends far beyond your stomach. Here, four well-rounded ways to support your gut microbiome every day: Eat your veggies (and fiber) Plant-heavy, fiber-rich, and antioxidant-packed meal plans, like the Mediterranean diet, have been shown to increase good bacteria in your gut. Need some ideas? Whole grains,...
A stomach ache might be one indication that something’s off in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but did you know there are other less obvious markers, like acne and chronic fatigue, that can shed light on gut health? Here, we break down the reasons and research behind 5 common indicators: Gastrointestinal issues This is probably what first comes to mind when you think of an unhealthy gut. Maybe you have abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements (i.e. diarrhea or constipation), or just generally feel uncomfortable. Those symptoms could be a sign that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. This common...
When it comes to whole body health, a lot of parts vie for the spotlight—your brain, your heart, you name it. But since your gut microbiome accounts for a whopping 70%1 of your immune system, what happens inside this community of microbes, also called microbiota, can dictate much of what happens to you from head to toe, even how well you sleep2. And while research is still evolving, there’s even evidence showing that your gut could play a role in viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-193. Let’s break it down. What is the Gut Microbiome? This ecosystem in your...
Supporting your mental health is just as important as everything you do for your physical health. Chronic stress has been linked to negative impacts on heart health, weight (hello, stress eating), your reproductive system, and more. That’s why our unique probiotic formula contains ashwagandha, a powerful herb with roots in India’s ayurvedic wellness tradition. Also called Withania somnifera, ashwagandha is an adaptogen, an herb that can help make you more resilient (adapt!) to stress1 . It’s also loved as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anxiety fighter. Ashwagandha contains potent chemical compounds, including sitoindosides and acyl steryl glucosides, that are confirmed...
Whether it’s stress induced by work, family, friends, the news, or another trigger, it’s safe to say that when we feel mentally and emotionally stressed, it’s common to feel some effect in our bodies, too. Some of us end up with headaches, others with fatigue, some with pain. And one of the most tangible effects is disruption to your gut. What’s going on in your gut The phrase “butterflies in your stomach”? That’s no coincidence. Your brain and gut are tightly connected, a relationship often called the “brain-gut axis.” In fact, the gut has been deemed “second brain,” ruled by...
We’ve already praised the virtues of the gut microbiome. Not only is that balanced ecosystem of 100 trillion bacteria essential to digesting our food, but it also accounts for 70% of our immune system, creating a defense against pathogens and infections. So it makes sense, then, that how we feed our microbiome is crucial. That’s where prebiotics and probiotics come into play. Sure they sound alike and they work together, but the two are very different and today we’re breaking down their symbiotic relationship: Prebiotics In a nutshell, prebiotics are food for probiotics. They make their way through our bodies,...
