This post has been written in partnership with Bimuno
We both consider ourselves pretty lucky for many reasons, but one that we don’t necessarily scream and shout about is a gut feeling. As far as bodily functions go, we have two pretty great guts! Bet that’s a phrase you don’t hear too often… Moving on, there’s no denying our chosen form of ‘run fun’ can sometimes hit a nerve. This comes to be expected after spending 8 hours bouncing up and down, covering kilometres and kilometres of hilly uneven terrain. Saying this, on the whole we are kind to our gut and so in turn it is kind back.
However, we do know a lot of people suffer with digestive problems and issues linked to having a poor gut flora. Despite not suffering too much ourselves, we’re hoping this blog post will some shed light over the world of pre- and probiotics in the gut for those that do!
In case you missed it ‘The Gut’ is the next big thing. Believe it or not, this vital organ was once a far forgotten masterpiece, and often overlooked. Today it’s nicknamed ‘the second brain’. Must have been regrammed by Justin Bieber…
Back to the real reason why, it’s intelligent. Some say it could even outsmart Steve Jobs… really! It’s now a well known fact that the right balance of bacteria in the gut can help those suffering from digestive disorders such as IBS, but recent studies have shown there’s more to it than just a self-care status. New research has linked gut health to skin conditions, asthma, changes in mood, brain health and many more.
First things first; what is the difference between a prebiotic and a probiotic?
A prebiotic is a certain type of carbohydrate that can be found naturally in foods or as a supplement. It is a form of complex carbohydrate, and is the favourite food of the ‘good’ bacteria in our guts. It’s important that we provide our digestive system with the foods to keep our gut flora diverse and happy. Prebiotics are tough cookies, resistant to heat, oxygen and our digestive enzymes. This means they can survive being the extreme conditions of our stomach and still make it to our gut intact, and ready to be gobbled up by our gut flora.
A probiotic is the ‘good’ live bacteria, as we discussed above they like to utilise the specific prebiotic carbohydrates as ‘food’. Sadly these are not resistant to heat, oxygen or our digestive enzymes. This means they struggle to reach the gut alive, and if they do they then have to compete with other bacteria already hanging out there. This is why it is VITAL to look after your current gut flora. If you damage/deplete your ‘good’ bacteria it can be very hard to rebuild.
It’s here where Bimuno may come in handy for those of you suffering. It is a prebiotic, which contains a unique galacto-oligosaccharide that naturally feeds and stimulates the growth of preferred ‘good’ bacteria in the gut, helping to maintain a good balance between the various types of bacteria present, a balance important in maintaining health and wellness.
Bimuno can easily be added to your daily routine. You can simply add the little sachet to a drink and/or meal. No faffing around with tablets here and it’s flavour free! Could it be more convenient
We’re crazy for Christmas. I mean who isn’t? It’s a wonderful holiday, spent with those who mean the most to you (and maybe a few you don’t mind waiting another 12 months to see) whilst dining on delicious and divine festive foods. Excitement aside, the rich Christmas diet can mess up your digestion. There’s the obvious ‘overeating’ outcome, but it can also prove quite stressful for some. We did say it’s not always everyone you want to see for 12 hours straight!
Bimuno found that 40% of people admit to feeling tired and run-down over Christmas, 43% consider themselves to eat in excess, and 34% claim this to be ‘rich food’. A further 33% find the shopping a little stressful, 30% are affected by the change in weather and 29% claim drinking alcohol is what contributes to their Christmas lull.
Other interesting Christmas statistics from Bimuno’s research:
- 20% of respondents said they ate or drank so much that it caused stomach issues.
- 7% of people avoid festive food they LOVE for fear of the digestive repercussions.
- 12% of the UK avoid sprouts due to digestive discomfort – this is followed by Christmas pudding, eggnog, mulled wine and mince piece.
- 25% of 25-34 year olds avoid cheese and biscuits.
- 25% of the UK have to tailor Christmas menus to cater for digestive issues of their guests.
- 40% of the respondents said it took them up to 2 weeks to feel normal again after the excess of Christmas (it took 6% up to 1 month).
- 30% of 35-44 year olds think age is making them feel the effects of the Christmas indulgences more (23% of all respondents agree)
So what can we do to help alleviate our gut, especially around Christmas? The wonderful Dr Ayan Panja has provided us with his 5 top tips:
- Eat more whole foods – a variety of fruit and vegetables, pulses, nuts and wholegrains feed healthy bacteria in your gut. (If your diet is low in fibre, a sudden increase can cause wind and bloating. Minimise this by making gradual changes and drink extra water).
- Avoid antibiotics if possible, but if you really need them, make sure you eat lots of foods that boost your microbes afterwards like fermented cheese and live yoghurt.
- Have a run of sugar and alcohol free days in the run up to the festive season.
- Manage your stress. Exercise, meditation, mindfulness can all help.
- Make life easier. We know it’s a hectic period so make healthier living a little easier and take a daily supplement. There are lots of good options available, including Bimuno which promotes the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in your gut.
Maintaining a healthy gut is no easy thing to achieve, particularly over the Christmas period, but taking Bimuno may help. There are so many prebiotic brands out there, so make sure you choose one backed with scientific evidence. If you are continuing to have digestive issues you must see your GP. Please note, we are not telling you not to enjoy the festive fun featuring mulled wine and mince pies. All we are saying is be conscious of how you’re feeling and check in once in awhile. If it’s gut instinct, go with it!
TTH x
