At No.2 we know there are a lot of buzz words out associated with the good stuff you put in your morning smoothie. Sometimes it feels like we are just nodding in agreement to the chat about LSA, SCFAs, pre and probiotics... We believe in being straight up and making sure our customers understand what they are taking and why. To help you avoid getting stuck in the jargon, we’ll be regularly posting definitions that will help you decode the hype…
Let's start with gut health…
The gut
The gut refers to the gastrointestinal tract, which is the long tube that runs from the mouth to the anus and is responsible for the digestion and absorption of food. It consists of several organs, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon).
Microbiome
Microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that live in a particular environment or organism, in this case – the gut. It includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. These organisms play important roles in digestion, immune function, and overall health. Genetics, diet, and environment influence the composition of the microbiome. Study of the microbiome has revealed its enormous impact on health. We can't wait to tell you more soon!
Prebiotic
Prebiotic refers to substances or compounds that aren’t absorbed by the human body but are a good source of nutrition for the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. These compounds mainly promote the growth and balance of the microbes in the gut, which plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Prebiotics are mainly classified as dietary fibres that are not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract so are able to reach the colon in tact. In the colon, they become a food source for good bacteria, (with big names like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.) These good bacteria ferment the prebiotics and produce short-chain fatty acids. Short chain fatty acids are amazing. We will tell you about these at a later date!
Probiotic
Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are typically bacteria or yeasts that naturally reside in the digestive tract and are commonly referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria. When ingested, probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut, which is essential for optimal digestive and immune system function.
Hopefully that made things a little clearer.
Feel better xx
