THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS AND WHY DRINKING KOMBUCHA CAN HELP

Gut health is trendy, and for good reason. Did you know that over 70% of your immune system and over 90% of your serotonin (happy hormones) are produced in the gut?

Studies have shown that after only one month of including probiotics in our diet, 50% of participants felt a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

But it doesn’t stop there. The quality of our sleep, our skin and even our immune system is linked to good gut health and the microbiome. 

Now, when we talk about the “gut-microbiome”, we simply mean the trillions of bacteria in your gut. And, according to Professor Phil Burnet, there are ‘more microbes in your gut than there are stars in the milky way’. 

So how does the gut-brain axis work, and how can we improve it?

If you have ever felt ‘butterflies’, a ‘gut-instinct’ or ‘sick to your stomach’ - you’ve experienced your very own gut-brain axis at play.

There is a two way conversation happening in your body, via the vagus nerve. Gut bacteria produce hormones, neurotransmitters and chemicals that convey messages along the vagus nerve to the brain, and influence how we feel emotionally. And vice versa.

We can essentially ‘improve the conversation’ by ensuring our gut microbes are happy. According to The Gut Health Doctor, if we are getting enough sleep, reducing stress and focusing on a varied diet full of fibre, veggies and fermented food/drink we can improve our gut health.

Fermented food and drink is a really easy way to get both more fibre and probiotics (good bacteria) into our system. From kimchi to sauerkraut to our favourite: kombucha.

For the unacquainted, kombucha is a delicious fermented tea drink. 

It’s even referred to as the ‘tea of immortality’ for its health giving properties in Asia where it originates.

When brewed authentically like Fix8, kombucha is lightly sparkling and slightly sweet/sour in taste. This refreshing acidity is what makes kombucha taste unique and different from say, a coke/lemonade, (thanks to the fermentation process).

This makes kombucha the perfect alternative to sugary soda, and a great alternative to alcohol in the evening when we fancy something more complex from a drink. 

But the added benefit? It’s incredibly good for your sleep, immune system and most importantly: your gut.

5 Health Benefits of Kombucha:

1) ANTIOXIDANTS
Kombucha in its most basic form is tea. Tea contains polyphenols which are packed with antioxidants to protect the body from oxidative stress. Tea also contains a wonderful amino acid, known as L-Theanine, which is proven to increase mental alertness, focus and brain functioning.

2) ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Kombucha contains various organic acids, produced as a by-product of fermentation. One particular acid found in kombucha known as acetic acid, is scientifically proven to contain anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Importantly, acetic acid kills bacteria and reduces inflammation in the body. Winning.

3) ENERGY
Kombucha contains a healthy dose of C and B Vitamins, including B12, which is commonly lacking from most plant-based diets as it predominantly comes from animal based products. B vitamins including B12 are essential for the maintenance of energy levels and for our nervous system to function correctly.

4) IMMUNITY
Kombucha is low in sugar compared to the ordinary commercialised fizzy pop we commonly drink. An excess of sugar is known to create inflammation in the body which reduces its ability to fight infection. Swap your sugary soft drink for a sparkling kombucha instead.

5) SLEEP
Kombucha is a great alternative to alcohol. The sweet/sour complexity in taste mirrors the satisfaction we get from a cold glass of wine, refreshing beer or gin and tonic. We know alcohol lowers our immune system by disrupting sleep. Swap your G+T for a kombucha during the weekdays for a refreshing evening drink that hits the spot and ‘just so happens’ to be booze free.

Head to our friends at www.fix8.com for your Kombucha fix direct to your door. For 20% off your first order, use the code BOOCH20

Guest article written by Freya Twigden, founder and head fermentalist at Fix8 Kombucha. @fix8onthis // www.fix8.com