The gut-brain connection has been brought to light yet again as insightful new research by PrecisionBiotics® — the smart brains behind a range of targeted, and scientifically-studied probiotic supplements – has found that 99% of adults surveyed are convinced that stress and anxiety affects their digestive and gut health, with 63% saying this is often the case.[1] And, with 46% saying they experience anxiety or stress on a daily basis, it’s not surprising that Brits are dealing with gut issues.
According to the data:
And this is just a few of the gut complaints that Brits are dealing with!
Dr Nisa Aslam, GP with a special interest in nutrition and an adviser to PrecisionBiotics® says: “Brits are well aware of the impact that gut health can have on everyday life as 85% have actually said they believe gut health can impact their quality of life a lot or somewhat. Most of us seem to know that gut health impacts our wellbeing, yet issues such as stress and anxiety can also influence gut health by impacting the state of our gut microbiome; the range of bacteria that reside in our gut. So, it’s a bit of a chicken and egg scenario.”
The gut-brain connection
Ever had that ‘gut feeling’ or been told to ‘listen to your gut’?
Dr Emma Derbyshire, Public Health nutritionist and advisor to PrecisionBiotics® explains: “There’s a reason why the gut is often dubbed the ‘second brain,’ as the gut and brain are interlinked by various pathways. There is constant chatter and biofeedback between the gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis, but we’re only beginning to appreciate the implications of this cycle of stress and sub-optimal gut health.”
When asked how stomach issues affect their daily life:
In fact, on a daily basis, as well as the stress and anxiety mentioned above, 33% suffer from low self-confidence and 40% suffer from bloating.
Clinical nutritionist and an advisor to PrecisionBiotics® Suzie Sawyer adds: “Stress and anxiety can lead to poor sleep, and then unhealthy food choices,[2] which in turn can affect gut health. Researchers have actually identified a link between irregular sleep patterns, which have been linked to a host of health issues, and harmful gut bacteria.[3] But then several studies show that changes in gut bacteria can increase or reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.”[4]
As it stands Brits do take proactive steps to helping support their gut heath. Over half (54%) drink plenty of fluids, 49% try to eat more fibre and 28% eat probiotic foods.
Worryingly though, only 56% of people believe that they know what to do to support their gut health and 40% say they don’t know what to do. But, as Dr Nisa Aslam says: “Only 22% of those questioned take a probiotic supplement, but there is no doubt that probiotics have the potential to transform our health and wellbeing.”
The power of probiotics with PrecisionBiotics®
Dr Nisa Aslam says: “Just as there is a huge range in the modes of action and potential benefits of probiotics, there’s also a huge range in the quality and efficacy of different products. To cut through this confusion, look for a brand that is backed by science and rigorous clinical trials.”
PrecisionBiotics® are the smart scientists behind a range of targeted formulations that are scientifically studied to improve the gut microbiome and address specific challenges such as mood, emotional balance and fatigue.
Each product delivers the live probiotics that will survive stomach acids and reach the gut in the numbers needed to get to work restoring and resetting the microbiome.
However, Dr Emma Derbyshire says: “It usually takes at least four weeks for probiotics to start to work. Finding the formulation that works best for you may also involve a little trial and error.”
The PrecisionBiotics® Range:
Alflorex® Original – This one-a-day daily gut health supplement is packed with 10^9 live Bifidobacterium longum 35624™ bacteria, a clinically studied strain which mothers pass to their infants. If you prefer a chewable table, Alflorex® Chewable, delivers the same bacterial strain of Bifidobacterium longum 35624™.
Specifically targeted to children age 3 and up, is Alflorex® Children 30 Powder Sachets which deliver 1 x 10⁸ (1 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) of live Bifidobacterium longum 35624™ in an easy to dissolve powder with a hint of vanilla flavour.
For extra calcium support, try Alflorex® + Calcium – A Daily Gut Health Supplement, which combines 10^9 live Bifidobacterium longum 35624™ with 120 milligrams (mg) of calcium, which supports normal function of digestive enzymes and a healthy digestive system.
Alflorex® Dual Action Daily Gut & Brain Health Supplement with around 1 billion bacteria from the Bifidobacterium longum strains 35624™ and 1714™, plus 120mg of calcium, 6mg of pantothenic acid and 1.4mg of vitamin B6. Calcium, plays a crucial role in supporting the normal function of digestive enzymes, ensuring proper digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to a healthy digestive system. Additionally, B6 helps to reduce fatigue, supporting your energy levels throughout the day.
To support relaxation and emotions Daily Calm® Emotional Balance contains 1 billion colony forming units (CFU) of clinically proven Bifidobacterium longum 1714™, enhanced by 30mg of saffron extract to contribute to emotional balance and relaxation as well as and 1.4mg of vitamin B6, which support normal psychological function.”
The Zenflore® Daily Mental Wellness Supplement contains 10^9 live Bifidobacterium longum strain 1714™ alongside a powerful blend of vitamins B6 and B12 both contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and Pantothenic acid which contributes to normal mental performance.
1 – A Perspectus global omnibus survey of 1031 UK adults, conducted in August and September 2024. Q3 total of a lot, somewhat and a little
2 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7052994/
3 – https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/irregular-sleep-patterns-harmful-gut-bacteria
