1. Meet your microbiome
Did you know that there are 38 trillion microorganisms, mostly bacteria, living in and on your body making up your microbiome? ¹ Even though you’ll need a microscope to see it, the microbiome has plenty of important roles to play in your general health and wellbeing. A few key roles of the microbiome are:
- Regulating your immune system ²
- Digesting any foods your stomach or small intestines couldn’t breakdown ³
- According to the European Journal of Nutrition, the microbiome helps to regulate anxiety, mood and cognitive function through its direct connection to the brain ⁴
- Assists your body in producing vitamins, such as Vitamin B and Vitamin K ⁵
Basically, when your microbiome is flourishing you will feel the difference from the inside out. On the other hand, if your gut microbiota is struggling you may feel fatigued, experience headaches and poor concentration. This may be caused by many things including your diet, genetics and your environment.⁶
A simple (and delicious) way to nourish your microbiome is by adding prebiotics and fermented foods to your diet.
2. Why probiotics are so important for foundational health
Found in certain foods and supplements, probiotics are live cultures which can boost your general health. As a good bacterium, probiotics may help to keep your gut microbiome functioning optimally, leaving you feeling happy and healthy.⁷
Just like your microbiome, probiotics have plenty of big roles to play including:
- Aiding your body in maintaining health microorganisms
- Assisting your body’s immune system in having a strong response to threats ⁸
- Supporting your digestive system and fight inflammation ⁹
You could turn to dietary supplements for your daily dose of probiotics, but there’s really no need considering the wide range of tasty foods which contain your daily dose of probiotic goodness.
When you’re on the lookout for probiotics, keep in mind that fermented foods don’t necessarily contain probiotics! ¹⁰ Little probiotic buggies have so many benefits for your gut, but according to the Mayo Clinic, you’ll need prebiotics to really get them working. ¹¹
3. Have you been sleeping on prebiotics?
Prebiotic fibre is like the fertiliser for your gut. They are little compounds within food, which aid your tummy in growing healthy bacteria ¹². Though we don’t hear as much buzz about them as probiotics, the power of these little compounds is not to be underestimated. Taking prebiotics may help with:
- Improving your metabolic health
- Reducing inflammation by maintaining intestinal health
- Assisting with gut health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome ¹³
Monash University suggest yoghurt and other prebiotic foods are the best way to get your daily dose. ¹⁴ You can find prebiotics naturally in certain foods, including chicory root, lentils, shitake mushrooms, flaxseed and nectarines. But let’s be real, how many of these foods can we realistically eat every day?
We use organic chicory root in our tubs, making it that little bit easier for you. Enjoy the benefits of naturally occurring prebiotics while digging into a delicious bowl of yoghurt or ice cream.
Ready to start nourishing your microbiome?
Check out our prebiotic and probiotic COYO Recipes to see how delicious gut health can be!