With the New Year upon us, most of us are full of contemplation. How will we better manage stress? Eat healthier? Spend less time staring at screens?

How about improving your gut microbiome? Perhaps you haven’t given it second thought.

Your gut microbiota consists of trillions of microscopic organisms all functioning in tandem to ensure your digestive system is in fine fettle. Without a cluster of friendly gut flora, under-nutrition and some painful gut aches would rear their metaphorical heads.

Unsurprisingly, the myriad of pathogens in circulation during the present winter months coincides with an increase in antibiotic prescriptions. Despite the worrying nature of antibiotic resistance, they do provide us with way to defeat harmful bacteria. Only, it’s not just the harmful bacteria that’s eradicated; our beneficial gut flora takes a hit too. You may have found that after a course of antibiotics, you experience some…unpleasant side effects. If you’ve completed a course of antibiotics as of late, I advise you to read on.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve all been indulging in Christmas festivities and New Year’s traditions; meaning we’ve been lapping up the plethora of food and drink on offer and refusing to move from our blanket-laden sofa. Breaking free of a typically healthy fibre-rich diet and increasing consumption of less nutritive foods can be blamed for some less than favourable changes to our gut microbiome.

So, what can you do about it?

Adding in plenty of fruits and veggies will provide your gut with its preferred environment for the production of a helpful and diverse bacterial profile. Packed with fibre and micronutrients, our overall health could be improved solely by upping our fruit and veggie intake. Your friendly gut bacteria bathes in fibre, lapping up its gut-boosting properties and proliferating. Whether in smoothies or as a snack on the go, find a way to make plants enjoyable and include them in your daily diet. If you lack access to fresh fruits and veggies, don’t hesitate to stock up on frozen or tinned.

Fermented foods and beverages have been in vogue as of late. During your weekly meander round the grocery store you may have been tempted to try kombucha for its touted benefits.

I’d definitely encourage you to follow your gut.

A fermented tea that’s made with live cultures likely sounds salubrious, but not all that pleasant. With a pungent smell and a sharp taste, it may not be for the faint of heart, but its bark is definitely worse than its bite. Whether plain or infused, not only is it delicious, it can also help support your gut flora and is a helpful addition to a wholesome diet.

Probiotics are your final boost to great gut health. These small capsules filled with bacteria can alleviate your stressed gut by providing a springboard for your friendly bacteria. All it takes is a little helping hand to pull your gut out of imbalance and allow it to thrive. This is particularly beneficial for those of you counting the days down till you have finished that last antibiotic or have really excelled at enjoying the seasonal food this year.

Taking probiotics alongside antibiotics, or after a dip in healthful, intuitive eating can help mitigate those unpleasant side effects and reduce the time it takes for your beneficial gut flora to repopulate. Great gut health can set you on a path to enhanced total health. From maintaining your entire immune system to relieving mood disorder symptoms, we could all benefit from taking the steps necessary to improve our much-needed microbiome.

Visit us at Pharm for your daily dose of gut-healthy goodness. Our stocked elixir bar and pharmacy is here to cure all your ills; however you see fit.

*Please remember that the consumption of kombucha (or any other fermented food/drink) and probiotics is not a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet. Pregnant women should be cautious when consuming kombucha. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your doctor*