It’s been said that illness starts in the gut, and on the flip side, good health can come down to a having a healthy and happy digestion tract. There’s 10 times more bacteria in the digestive system than there are cells in the body so it’s no surprise that a large percentage of the immune system is located around the bowel.
We know that probiotics are important for the maintenance and regulation of immunity, helping prevent coughs, colds and infections. Other conditions that respond well to probiotics include diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, eczema and asthma. It seems Hippocrates was well ahead of the times when he stated, “death sits in the bowel” and “Let thy food by your medicine.
Now I know there’s so much out information out there about probiotics, prebiotics, gut flora, good and bad gut bacteria and now we’re adding bio-fermentation to the mix… So take a breath, and let us break it down for you, and if you don’t like taking tablets fear not, we have options!
Let’s start with Prebiotics
Prebiotics are food for probiotics and are found in foods such as asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, onions, beans, chickpeas, lentils and supplementary fibres such as psyllium, pectin, guar gum and slippery elm.
Probiotics Foods that contain probiotics include yoghurt, miso, sauerkraut, kefir, natto, tempeh and kimchi. To maintain a healthy microflora, small amounts of probiotic foods need to be consumed several times a week.
Bio-fermentation – the greatest of them all?
What does “Bio-Fermented” mean, and why is it so beneficial? “Bio” refers to the enhanced bio-availability and stability of the product, which is very easily absorbed and all the nutrients are easily assimilated into the cells of the body. Fermentation naturally produces probiotics, beneficial enzymes, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.
One of the best (and tastiest!) ways I consume them is with the new Henry Blooms range which uses the unique bio-fermentation process to create a powerful bio-active concentrate, generating 6 strains of probiotics including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii).
This 5-stage probiotic/fermentation procedure offers beneficial enzymes, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids as well as providing approximately 6 billion CFUs of good bacteria in each 15 ml serve.
Why should you choose Henry Blooms Bio-Fermented drinks?
As you know now, gut health is known to be vital for immunity and overall wellbeing. Digestion and absorption occurs in the gut, so the gut needs to be healthy and balanced for us to be absorbing the nutrition we need. The gut is also our first line of defence against harmful bacteria and viruses so is a vital part of the immune system. Henry Blooms Bio-Fermented Drinks contain natural, raw probiotics plus bioactive superfoods. Including them in your daily water or as a shot is an easy way to take care of your gut health and enhance your immunity and energy.
The range has a number of drinks, each has its own specific unique health benefits, so there’s something for everyone (check them all out here)
Apart from having them as a drink (seriously yum thought!!) I’ve made them into recipes including pops and gut healthy gummies.
I think my fave to is the Bio-Fermented Coconut Water with Lemon Myrtle to sip during the day as mixed into your favourite juice, smoothie, or chilled or sparkling water for a deliciously simple way to add some goodness into your diet or replace electrolytes after exercise, it also:
- Aids digestion
- Natural electrolytes improve hydration and assist the nervous and musculatory systems
- Lemon Myrtle has cleansing, detox properties
- Raw probiotics support the immune system
- Gluten and lactose free, alcohol free
- A source of natural electrolytes, nutrients, vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, Vitamin A
- 99% sugar free
- Thanks to Potassium and Magnesium it also supports the immune system
- Boosts hydration
- Replenishes electrolytes
The strains of probiotic used in the fermentation process include: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii).
Have you tried them before?
Keep an eye out as I’ll be posting my recipe for gut gummies using Henry Blooms Papaya and Papain drink and also pops!
