In the world of wellness, few topics have gained as much attention and speculation as gut health – but with that wealth of information comes misinformation. Many of us find ourselves running around in circles trying to find out which “facts” are true and which are a load of baloney – and you might just find a lot more of the latter than the former. But fear not, we’re here to clear the air!

With a plethora of information available, it's easy for myths and misconceptions to take root and spread worldwide, so, pull up a pew, pour that cup of tea and get ready to blow the lid off of 5 common myths around gut health. 

Myth 1: Probiotics are all the same

Busting the Myth: While the term "probiotics" is used broadly, not all probiotics are created equal. Different strains of bacteria have distinct benefits and functions. It's essential to choose probiotics backed by scientific research and targeted to address specific health concerns. For instance, some fermented products have probiotics added after the production process – this is usually done as the food is heat-treated, thereby killing probiotics – but these strains aren’t all the same. Dairy products often have Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are known to boost digestion and diversify our gut microbiome. Kimchi, on the other hand, has a range of lactic acid bacteria which also boost digestion and improve nutrient absorption – while there are crossovers in benefits, it’s important to know that the type of bacteria and the dose will vary product-to-product. This is why we encourage you to home-ferment your own food – this way you’ll know exactly what’s in your kimchi or yoghurt, while avoiding practises like heat-treating.

Myth 2: Gut health only relates to digestion

Busting the Myth: While the gut plays a significant role in digestion, its influence extends far beyond that. Emerging research has unveiled the intricate gut-brain axis, highlighting the profound connection between gut health and mental wellbeing. A healthy gut microbiota can impact mood, cognition, and even immune function. Remember, gut health is about nourishing the entire body, not just your digestive system. There’s a reason they call it the second brain!

Myth 3: All Fermented Foods Are Good for the Gut

Busting the Myth: While fermented foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi can be powerful transformers of gut health, not all fermented foods are created equal. Many commercial varieties may undergo processes that reduce their probiotic content or contain additives that counteract their benefits. Opt for homemade or carefully selected fermented foods to ensure maximum probiotic impact. Our 21-Day Gut Rebalance Program is all about learning to home-ferment your favourite dishes, from kimchi to sourdough and kombucha, you won’t believe how easy it is.

Myth 4: Gut Health Is Solely Determined by Diet

Busting the Myth: While diet plays a crucial role in gut health, it's not the sole factor at play. Lifestyle factors like stress, sleep patterns, exercise, and medication use can all impact the gut microbiota. To truly optimise gut health, it's essential to adopt a holistic approach that encompasses various aspects of wellness.

Myth 5:Gut health can be fixed overnight

Busting the Myth: Now you can without a doubt make a lot of difference to your gut health overnight – even one meal can do you a world of good! But it’s a long game to see lasting change. There’s a reason we offer a 21-Day Program, and that’s because it can take a few weeks to start seeing the differences, clear ourselves of sugar withdrawal symptoms and create new habits. It’s also important that you continue to implement these gut-boosting techniques after the program to protect your health long term. Achieving and maintaining a healthy gut is a journey, not a quick fix. Restoring gut health takes time, consistency, and personalised approaches, so be patient with your gut, experiment with dietary and lifestyle changes, and listen to your body's cues.

Keen to start? If you’ve joined us for the 21-Day Gut Rebalance Program, you’re on the right track to healing your microbiome and boosting your mood, immunity and digestion.