Gut health has been a popular topic of conversation for the past few years, largely due to increased research highlighting the significant impact gut bacteria can have on your overall health. Not only does your gut health impact your digestive system, but can influence everything from your immune function to your mental health.
Did you know?
The gut is often referred to as the ‘second brain’ because of its strong connection to your mood.
What is key to good gut health is a balance of good bacteria in the body, that’s where probiotics come in. Probiotics are live bacteria that are found in some foods and supplements that help maintain this balance and are often described as “good” bacteria. They help with maintaining a balanced gut microbiome which supports immune defense, reduces inflammation and even helps improve your mood.
Why are probiotics an in-demand product in the nutraceutical industry?
Probiotics remain an in-demand product in the nutraceutical industry due to higher awareness of their benefits from end-users. Many consumers are looking for alternatives to help them improve their health and wellness. This increase in wellbeing trends has meant many people are taking a closer look at their health.
Experts predict that because of this, the probiotics supplements market will grow from an estimated £56bn in 2024 to £131bn in 2025 and will show no signs of slowing down.
So How Does Gut Health Impact Your Mood and how can probiotics help?
The reason why your gut health can impact your mood is because of something called the “gut-brain axis” where gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which directly influence your mood, stress levels, and overall mental well-being.
A good amount of your body’s serotonin, otherwise known as the “feel-good” hormone is produced in the gut by good bacteria, meaning probiotics could help with promoting a positive mood. When your gut is imbalanced this is when inflammation can occur, which can signal to the brain feelings of anxiety and stress.
Immune System and the Gut
Your immune system and your gut are very much connected. Your gut health significantly impacts your immune system as they are directly interacting with immune cells through the microbiome, a community of bacteria residing in your gut. That is why probiotics and a fiber rich diet are so important. A disruption of this balance can lead to an increased risk of infection and other issues within the body.
Here at Redrose, we work closely with our clients to produce probiotic supplements for their customers around the world who are looking to improve their gut health. Here are a few ingredients we recommend that will aid end-users on their journey towards a healthier gut.
Lactobacillus acidophilus: A Key Probiotic for Gut Health
We use Lactobacillus acidophilus in most of our probiotic blends. “Good” bacteria such as L. acidophilus can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off “bad” organisms that might cause issues in the body. This type of beneficial bacteria can also:
- Boost the immune system
- Help with mood regulation
- Support digestive health
Saccharomyces Boulardii: A Powerful Probiotic
Saccharomyces Boulardii is a probiotic that supports gut health. S. Boulardii is a unique probiotic as it is a yeast, not a bacteria. S. Boulardii is often named a “friendly” organism which can help fight off “bad” organisms that could cause disease. It holds many benefits for end-users including:
- Boosting immune function
- Helping manage health issues like IBS and IBD
- Strengthening the gut’s barrier
Lactobacillus Reuteri: Gut Health Hero
Lactobacillus Reuteri is naturally found in the gut and is vital for digestion, immune function and mood regulation. L. Reuteri is a beneficial probiotic bacteria that can help with creating a more balanced gut microbiome. Not only does it help with immune function and mood regulation it also helps with:
- Reducing bloating
- Oral health – by fighting harmful bacteria in the mouth
- Gut barrier protection
Bifidobacteria Bifidum: Power Probiotic
Another popular ingredient we include in our probiotic blends is Bifidobacteria Bifidum. B. Bifidum helps break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off harmful bacteria by producing lactic and acetic acid. It plays an important role in overall gut performance and assists in many aspects of the body including:
- Breaking down fiber
- Preventing bloating and constipation
- Reducing inflammation
Let’s work together!
We’ve been developing probiotic formulations for over 30 years now, working with customers to provide both off-the-shelf and bespoke products to benefit their customers worldwide.
If you’re interested in adding probiotics to your product range, or would like to know more about what we can offer as a manufacturing partner, get in touch with our experienced team through our contact form, here.
- https://www.rootsanalysis.com/reports/probiotics-market.html#:~:text=Global%20Probiotics%20Market%20Size,request%20a%20free%20sample%20copy
- https://www.virtua.org/articles/what-your-gut-has-to-do-with-boosting-your-mood-and-immunity#:~:text=Scientists%20have%20found%20that%20gut,immunity%20and%20anti%2Dinflammatory%20boost.
- https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/you-are-what-you-eat-diet-may-affect-your-mood-and-brain#:~:text=Neurotransmitters%20are%20not%20only%20produced,Gupta%20said.
- https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/want-to-boost-immunity-look-to-the-gut#:~:text=Immune%20cells%20in%20the%20gut,in%20turn%20affect%20immune%20cells.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1666/bifidobacterium-bifidum
