When it comes to our gut bacteria, some could be called our heroes. Faecalibaterium prausnitzii is one of them. One of the most ubiquitous, present across all ethnicities, this powerhouse is linked with everything from weight loss to relieving IBS. Read on to find out how raising your levels can help you feel your best! Typically, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) represents between 5 to 15% of the bacteria in our intestine.¹ Even if its a major microbial inhabitant of our gut, F. prausnitzii is reported to have numerous health benefits, which go even beyond digestive health ..read more

The keto diet has become the go-to low-carbohydrate weight loss method and it has exploded in popularity in the health industry. But how does it affect our gut microbiome? Let’s take a further look into the evidence behind this diet. The keto diet is controversial topic that many health experts continue to debate. Although weight loss results and neurological benefits have been reported, it can pose certain health risks such as low blood pressure. Let’s delve into how going keto affects your gut health, and what to look out for when following this diet. What Is a Keto Diet? A ketogenic diet is ..read more

Excess gas and flatulence can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Here, we delve into how to relieve flatulence, with our top tips for supporting gut health. What is Flatulence? Flatulence is the passing of gas from the gastrointestinal tract (GI) to the back passage of our bodies. All gases entrapped in our bodies are destined to be partially or completely absorbed. Intestinal gases often accumulate and cause flatulence1. When we swallow food, water or saliva, we also swallow a small amount of air, which then collects in the GI tract2. Gases can also build up during the digestion of food. Duri ..read more

Eating more microbiome friendly foods can help improve your immune system. Here, we share the top 6 natural immune supplements that can support your gut health and help ensure you’re flu and allergy-free all year round. Your immune system and microbiome are constantly shaping one another. More and more research links the microbiome to conditions such as allergies, inflammation, and immune deficiencies. Just how the gut bugs and the immune system influence each other, however, is still not completely understood. Luckily, researchers have recently revealed a tight connection between the two ..read more

There’s a big difference between prebiotics vs probiotics. In fact, a healthy gut microbiome should have BOTH. Here’s why. Prebiotics and probiotics have become buzzwords in nutrition these days. Still, despite sounding similar, they actually play different roles in your health. Probiotics are live, “friendly” bacteria. Prebiotics are food for them. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know about the differences between probiotics vs prebiotics. What Are Probiotics? The definition of probiotics is “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health bene ..read more

There is substantial scientific evidence that sugar can cause bloating. Could a gut microbiome test help you reduce symptoms? What Are Dietary Sugars? There are many different types of dietary sugars. Simple sugars (monosaccharides,) such as Glucose, Galactose, and Fructose, join up together to make disaccharides (like lactose in milk) and polysaccharides (such as Glycogen and Starch). These sugars provide us with the fuel to make energy and carry out all biological processes.   You can find different sugars in different foods: Lactose is found in dairy products such as cheese, crea ..read more

Sure, there’s nothing new about saying added sugar is bad for you (regardless of your age). Your mom told you, and your doctor says so, too, but you can’t sugar-coat the truth — you love the sweet stuff. So what else is new? Well, it turns out that there is something that is both new and troubling about sugar. Food affects us in so many ways – physically, emotionally, intellectually and cognitively. In our society, high-fat, high-sugar foods, meat and alcohol are associated with celebration and comfort, but when we look at the scientific studies, we see overwhelming evidence that adh ..read more

As Veganuary sweeps in, it’s not merely about a trendy vegan diet change – it’s a microbiome-friendly opportunity! Wondering if going vegan can boost your gut health, microbiome and overall well-being? Let’s delve into the nuances of a vegan diet, and what you need to do to ensure it has a positive impact on your gut health. What Is a Vegan Diet? The vegan diet is based on the principle of eliminating any animal-based food products such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. Aside from that, there other dietary variations that limit or fully eliminate animal products, including: Plant-based diet: A v ..read more

We throw away essential prebiotics which could help us lose weight, prevent disease and stay allergy-free. There’s a more sustainable way to get your daily dose of prebiotics. Our gut bacteria feed off prebiotics – the fibre in vegetables. A third of global emissions come from food waste, 30% of which are thought to be from parts of highly palatable vegetables most of us throw away¹. Currently, the gut microbiome is very fashionable, with probiotics and prebiotic supplements flying off the shelves. Yet, it seems utterly illogical that we disregard a natural prebiotic, to buy another – made of ..read more

Candida appears to influence gut inflammation in Crohn’s disease patients, according to new research. Scientists believe these findings can lead to better understanding and potential therapies.  Crohn’s disease is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD.) It involves symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss, among others. There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease. Instead, patients have to rely on symptom relief. Luckily, new treatments are on the horizon thanks to evolving research.  New research from the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine look ..read more