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Media reporting of science can confuse us

Seeing scientific publications make media news is fantastic and for those of us in science it is actually a nice way to keep on top of new work being released.

The media however, love to latch onto click worthy stories, which may have been a very niche lab study or an animal model, with no relevance to the general population.

As scientists, do we need to do better to communicate the big picture?

Click worthy headlines are not completely harmless. They add fire to misinformation and uninformed interpretation across many social media platforms.

We spend a lot of time with clients helping them understand the science of the gut, but also putting the pieces together – because it is actually the big picture that matters. The consistent ‘showing up’ and the small habits stacked together.

Media and social media misrepresentation of science just adds to the confusion for everyday people. So, just remember that research is designed to be added up and put together and don’t worry too much about those individual studies, designed to be click worthy stories.

Health and leadership in the workplace, are you walking the walk?

As we head into the festive season, I think it’s timely to remember that if you’re in any sort of people management role/s, that walking the walk in terms of being healthy will far outweigh any of the token ‘health’ activities, in terms of staff health and productivity at this time of year.

If you’re the one to model the behaviour of scheduling time for your exercise
If you’re the one to leave early now and then to model that your family comes first
If you’re the one to get the team motivated to train for an activity together
If you’re the one to bring the healthy lunch

Then you’re the one your staff will look to for inspiration as they navigate their own busy lives. If you can do it, then so can they.

It’s certainly not an easy balance, but the benefits of having a healthy workforce can’t really be replaced..

Unlock Your Full Potential

Whether you’re struggling with chronic issues or simply seeking to optimise your wellbeing or that of your staff, our science backed, holistic training can help you unlock your body’s incredible potential. Our team of trusted and highly qualified scientists, communicators and passionate gut lovers, are dedicated to empowering you on your path to vibrant health.

Take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life. Book your appointment with Gut Science today and let us guide you on a transformative journey towards true, holistic wellness. Together, we’ll uncover the root causes of your concerns and develop a personalised plan to help you thrive.

Leaky gut..Is it a thing?

It wasn’t that long ago that science really dismissed the idea that the walls of our gut lining might be ‘permeable’ to the outside world (ie. the rest of our body).
We now know it is absolutely a thing and in fact can be one of the main drivers for low grade inflammation in the whole body. We now have a few markers we can test for, to evaluate whether or not you might actually have a ‘leaky’ gut.
But what do you do if you think it is leaky?
It is really not worthwhile knowing if you have an issue if you have no idea how to fix it! A healthy microbiome supports the cells that line our colon, so that they are nicely stuck together and have a healthy layer of mucus on top to protect them. How do they do this?
When the gut bacteria eat (hint: they love all sorts of fibre), they produce little molecules (bacterial poop) that are really ANTI-inflammatory. This has a cascade effect to protect the cells and support the mucus layer. Without enough fibre, this whole process can’t happen.
Fibre comes from plants. Only plants. All the plants have different sorts of fibres. So eat all the plants!
JUST DON’T DO IT ALL AT ONCE (Ie. TODAY) BECAUSE THIS WILL HURT!!

Here is the research paper if you would like some light further reading. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.20510.1

Your gut is the foundation of your overall health and wellness. When your gut is out of balance, it can lead to a host of issues, from digestive discomfort to mental health challenges. At Gut Science, we believe in addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms. Our holistic approach focuses on nourishing your gut, restoring its natural balance, and empowering you to take charge of your wellbeing.

The confusion is real

A new study made its way to the media recently about the link between ultra-processed food and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The authors showed a 20% increase in risk for IBS between those who consumed the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods vs the lowest. [paper here if you would like to read: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2024.01.040]

What this tells us is that ultra-processed foods are likely not great for the microbiome (I think we already could have guessed that).

It’s great that these papers are getting some headlines, but gut health popularity at the moment is also meaning every day there are “NEW” and “EXCITING” and “GROUNDBREAKING” food products and supplements launched.

So on one hand, we are told to NOT eat ultra-processed foods, but then right on the other hand, we are bombarded with advertising for supposedly healthy ultra-processed foods… no wonder we are confused.

My solution to this is to provide you with the tools, knowledge and confidence that you need in order to sift through the advertising bombarded at you. It can be so empowering to just KNOW what your body needs.

If we understand ourselves just a little bit better, then we feel better, are more confident and can make healthier choices. Not just to fit into some pair of jeans, but for the rest of our (healthy) life. ❤️

Invest in Your Gut, Invest in Your Health

At Gut Science, we believe that a healthy gut is the foundation for overall wellbeing. Our range of gut-focused nutrition training, via our app, as well our our 1:1 services are designed to support your digestive system, boost your immune function, and improve your energy levels. Take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.