When it comes to important decisions, eight in 10 of us trust out gut, but very few care to look after it.
According to studies by Bio-Kult, a leading multi-strain live bacteria supplement, growing evidence suggests that the gut’s delicate ecosystem of microorganisms plays an integral role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
However, infection, stress and an unhealthy lifestyle can disturb this ecosystem, leading to fatigue and recurring sickness, especially during the winter months.
The Bio-Kult survey, carried out by Amárach Research among 1,000 Irish adults, found that 84 per cent of Irish people have taken up to five days off work in the last 12 months because of a common cold, the flu, or another viral infection.
Good gut health can help build a resilient immune system, and even though three-quarters (78 per cent ) agree with this sentiment, most of us do little to take care of it.
Only nine per cent of those surveyed said they take a daily dose of probiotics, consumable multi-strain live bacteria supplements that are designed to promote good gut and overall health. A massive 62 per cent never take probiotics at all.
Some 38 per cent of respondents said they are not aware of the benefits of probiotics, while nearly half (46 per cent ) believe they do not work at all.
A total of 42 per cent of us have, however, taken antibiotics in the last 12 months. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infection, but also kill the ‘good’ bacteria in the process. Probiotics are an important means of repair for good bacteria in the gut. Despite this growing evidence, only 10 per cent of those surveyed said they took probiotics during or after a course of antibiotics.
Commenting, Ellen Roche, registered dietitian and consultant nutritionist, said: “The new year is the perfect time to get your health back on track after the Christmas break. Bio-Kult’s multi-strain live bacteria supplements are the perfect addition to your morning routine; what makes them even better is that they are even suitable for infants so the whole family can achieve better gut health together.
“Bio-Kult helps to restore balance in the gut ecosystem. As a probiotic, it delivers more ‘good’ bacteria back into the gut which has a direct effect on the immune system and helps to promote overall health, especially digestive health. A healthy gut means a healthy you, which is why taking probiotics, especially in winter, is one decision you should definitely trust!”
