We know how important what we feed our body is for our overall health, so it goes without saying that our gut microbiome, a major part of our digestive ecosystem, plays a crucial role in our health especially when we understand that everything begins in the gut.  

Robust gut health with thriving good bacteria is the foundation for a strong immune system, beautiful skin, quality sleep, and overall longevity but often our modern lifestyle can have detrimental effects like everyday exposure to alcohol, glutens, stress, exposure to toxins and some medications. Healing our gut is a way in which we can counterbalance these impacts and in turn have a well-functioning gut and good health. 

Naturopath Pernille Jensen, & the founder of The Gut Co, has been researching gut microbiome and gut health for the past 12 years to find a solution to correcting and enhancing our immune systems for glowing skin, a healthy mind and a strong, energised body. We spoke to her about the importance of gut health, identifying common triggers and how it coincides with self care.

What lifestyle factors most commonly disrupt our gut health?

The worst offenders are stress, alcohol, gluten, medications especially antibiotics and of course a diet void of fibre and wholefoods.

& what are some signs that our gut health/microbiome is out of balance? 

You can be experiencing the obvious symptoms such as bloating, gas, burping, constipation and/or diarrhoea or the more less obvious symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, mood disturbances and hormonal imbalances. 

We understand the importance of gut health & the benefit of your products but what actually inspired you to explore the gut & create The Gut Co?

Being a naturopath I have always educated my clients on gut health regardless of the problems they came to me with. I firmly believe that all disease and all health begin in the gut. When the gut is functioning well, you will assimilate all the nutrients (vitamins and minerals) from the food you eat, which in turn means the body has what it needs to repair itself and balance hormones. When the gut is out of whack the body is not receiving the nutrients it needs to look after itself and it also contributes a lot of inflammation in the body which over time can lead to many health problems

Living a balanced life is made up of intricate interlocking parts, so what does self care mean to you & what other things bring about balance in your life?

I like to spend time with my family. I have a 10 year old son and a 12 year old daughter who teach me so much about life everyday. Balance has honestly been a challenge the past year for me, but prioritising time with the family and exercise has kept me sane.

Do you journal? &  if so what are the benefits you find in doing this?

My daughter got me into journaling and it has been a way for me to be able to put things into perspective. I go through phases of journaling, but I have noticed that when things are tough and my mind is cluttered, I always know to go back to journaling because it creates clarity for me. It’s a process that is cathartic and reduces stress for me.

For someone new to focusing on gut health, which of The Gut Co products is best to try & why?

It depends. If you are looking to improve bowel regularity and immunity, FEED is a good place to start with its high content of Pre and probiotics to FEED the good bacteria so they can grow. 

Having an abundance of good bacteria means a better digestive system that absorbs more nutrients and helps strengthen your immune system. If you want to improve the integrity of your gut lining and improve skin texture, REPAIR is the one. REPAIR contains the most absorbable collagen, lots of superfoods, skin vitamins and special ingredients to help heal the gut lining and improve skin texture. When the gut lining has microholes (leaky gut) you can experience brain fog, mood swings. Allergies and skin problems, hence maintaining a healthy gut lining is really important in overall health and prevention of disease.

Finally, if you need a quick relief from bloating, Enzymes {digest+debloat} is the one. It helps your body break down food into small particles enabling the  assimilation of  the nutrients from the food you eat and the reduction of bloating and gas. 

You can follow The Gut Co on Instagram HERE, & explore their products at thegutco.com.au.