The focus on gut health isn’t a new fad that will find its place in line with every other passing craze. It’s actually something that scientists now know is integral to our overall health.

So just what exactly is gut health?

Our gut is made up of millions of good bacteria that is found naturally in the body which is referred to as gut flora. Think of your gut flora as you would a garden with different organisms living in harmony that require care to continue to grow and be healthy.

Exercise physiologist and nutritionist. Kathleen Alleaume, founder of The Right Balance tells delicious. gut health isn’t just about digesting food.

“The gut … plays a major role in supporting the immune system, and can even influence body weight and mood”. We should look to increase our intake of good bacteria to help support strong gut health, she explains.

“Adding more good bacteria through foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurts with live cultures, and fermented foods (i.e. kimchi, fermented drinks, miso, sauerkraut)” are effective ways balance of the bacteria that reside in the gut.”

Alleaume says another way to add probiotics and additional antioxidants is through fermented drinks. But she warned that people should be wary of drinks with too much added sugar.

Unlike traditional fermented drinks, BellyUp’s range use papaya fruit and leaves as their base, as opposed to yeast and contains no added sugar.

With five fruity flavours including Lychee with Green Tea, Coconut with Lemon Myrtle, Turmeric Pineapple flavour, Collagen with Superfood Berries and Weight Management Lemon flavour, you’re now able to increase the good bacteria in your diet along with a balanced diet.

The unique bio-fermentation process consists of five stages and contains six probiotic strains in each serve. It is also 100% alcohol free and is suitable for everyone over three years old.

When it comes to overall gut health, the bottom line to changing your microbiome is all about “eating a balanced diet” as well as avoiding “the obvious fried … and ultra-processed foods with added sugars and saturated fats,” says Alleaume. This article is brought to you by Henry Blooms.