Hive Journal

### How Gut Health Became Sexy

There’s no need to be shy anymore… About talking about your gut health. It’s gone mainstream now. In fact, it’s exploded in the past few years. Kombucha helped to start the conversation but now, new supplements, test kits, apps, enhanced foods, and beauty products are everywhere on the market. Gut health is one of the biggest wellness trends that isn’t really a trend—it’s here to stay. Everyone from [GOOP](https://goop.com/wellness/health/is-your-gut-healthy-how-to-tell/) to [CNN](Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains why gut health is so important for immunity - CNN Video) to [TikTok](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/20/well/eat/tiktok-gut-health.html) is focused on gut health, and why it’s so important for your overall well being. And, for good reason. Your gut is connected to your whole body, controlling everything from your immune system to digestion to your [brain](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection#:\~:text=The%20brain%20has%20a%20direct,send%20signals%20to%20the%20gut.). A healthy gut means a happy body, so you can feel better.

First, we’ll do a ‘biotics’ 101, looking at prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Then, we’ll look at ways to keep your gut functioning at its best—from adding our propolis-powered [Complete Gut Health](https://www.beekeepersnaturals.com/products/b-biome?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SEM_G_Brand_US_Plus&utm_content=Gut_Health&gclid=CjwKCAjw-8qVBhANEiwAfjXLrv-lB94IeUtcGakkbcineraolxyZFlhmdpqBI4pt_CqLxuzuE5bt8hoC44sQAvD_BwE&variant=42080644432059) supplement to diet and lifestyle changes.

### What are probiotics?

Basically, they’re live cultures or microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast, that provide health benefits when given in sufficient doses. According to the[ ISAPP](https://isappscience.org/for-consumers/learn/probiotics/) (International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics) “they may assist with your immune function, aid your digestion, keep harmful microorganisms in check, produce vitamins, and aid in nutrient absorption.”

Bacteria don't have the best reputation… but don’t forget, there are two types in your body. One is “good” and the other is “bad” bacteria. Probiotics are the good guys—they help your body stay healthy and functioning at its best. They also help fight off the bad stuff when your body has too much of it.

Probiotics are one piece of the puzzle in the relationship between your body and bacteria called a [microbiome,](https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/microbiome/) which is really just a diverse community of organisms that promotes overall wellness. Your gut microbiome has trillions of these microorganisms including probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics, which are two important nutrients that help maintain a healthy digestive system—and often get overlooked.

### What are prebiotics?

[Prebiotics](https://www.mayoclinic.org/prebiotics-probiotics-and-your-health/art-20390058#:\~:text=Prebiotics%20are%20specialized%20plant%20fibers,as%20fiber%20and%20resistant%20starch.) are a dietary plant fiber (yep, you read that right) that are like Miracle Grow for healthy bacteria in the gut that helps it to grow. They’re mostly found in complex carbs and the body can’t digest them, so they pass through the gastrointestinal tract and become food for good bacteria to feed off of. Taking a prebiotic with your probiotic can make it more effective.

### What are postbiotics?

Think of them as the nourishing “leftovers”. After your body digests prebiotics and probiotics, you’re left with vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and [short-chain fatty acids](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/postbiotics/), which either work to make friendly bacteria flourish or starve off the bad bacteria. Research shows that [postbiotics](https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a33824034/what-are-postbiotics/) can help support a healthy immune and digestive system, and balance our gut microbiome.

### Why your gut may not be thriving

Scientists are now referring to the gut as the [‘second brain](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection)’. It can also affect mood, emotions, and even [aging. ](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-bacteria-change-as-you-get-older-and-may-accelerate-aging/)As you get older, the bacteria changes and has been linked to age-related diseases or conditions.

Stress, a poor diet, autoimmune issues like [ulcerative colitis](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis#:\~:text=Ulcerative%20colitis%20is%20a%20chronic,ages%20of%2015%20and%2030.), taking antibiotics, and more can all wreak havoc on your gut microbiome. Read on for a few easy tips to optimize your gut health.

### How to improve digestion

We all want to feel our best and live full, healthy lives, so here’s a few easy ways to whip your gut biome into shape.

1. **Add fermented foods to the mix.** They might have a potent taste, smell, or texture, but they are loaded with probiotics and worth adding to your plate. Try [fermented foods](https://draxe.com/nutrition/fermented-foods/) like kefir, kimchi, miso, pickles, kombucha, apple cider vinegar, and more.
2. **Go plant-based or mostly plant-based.** Plants, fruits, veggies, and beans are packed with soluble fiber that make prebiotics.
3. **Fill up on fiber.** High-fiber diets keep the digestive system moving and break down into [postbiotics](https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/what-are-postbioticschrome-extension://fiabciakcmgepblmdkmemdbbkilneeeh/park.html?title=Postbiotics%3A%20What%20Are%20They%20and%20Why%20Do%20They%20Matter%3F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fdigestive-disorders%2Ffeatures%2Fwhat-are-postbiotics&tabId=850&sessionId=1655765701886&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.webmd.com%2Fdtmcms%2Flive%2Fwebmd%2Fconsumer_assets%2Fsite_images%2Ffavicon%2Fwebmd.ico) (short-chain fatty acids) that work to fight off the unhealthy or bad bacteria.
4. **Supplement with all three ‘biotics’.** Meet the world's first propolis-powered gut health capsule, featuring pre-, pro-, and postbiotics. Our triple threat of ingredients promotes a healthy gut, supports brain and immune function, and helps regulate the inflammation that naturally occurs in the gut. Achieve overall digestive balance with an easy daily pill.
5. **Skip the stress.** Have you ever been anxious or nervous and then you start feeling queasy? High levels of [cortisol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18537635/) (the adrenaline hormone) can decrease the oxygen flow and suppress your gut’s immune system, which can cause damage and digestion problems. Whatever makes you relax: meditation, gardening, working out, therapy etc, try to prioritize emotional self care.

_Please check with your doctor if you’re experiencing any gut issues or before taking any new supplements._