If your body was a car, the bustling powerhouse in your belly known as the microbiome would be its engine. This is where trillions of microorganisms work around the clock to aid in digestion, control your immune system and keep everything running as it should be. In other words, the microbiome and your gut play a crucial role in your overall health, and they deserve special treatment.
In recent years, medical research has homed in on this special treatment, with new findings continuing to deepen our understanding of the importance of a balanced gut microbiome, and leading innovations spearheading a fresh wave of therapeutic approaches. Among these is Theronomic, which has just been awarded the NutraIngredients Asia award for product of the year in the microbiome modulation category, and the ABA product innovation award for most innovative consumer product.
Theronomic utilises tribiotics – a powerhouse combination of pre-, pro- and postbiotics – and is designed to cover all bases regarding gut health, which is essential for overall wellbeing. Not that most people know that.
According to Theronomic’s recent Great Global Gut Health survey, one in two people suffer from gut related problems like bloating, digestive issues and constipation. Despite this, only 40% know what the microbiome does beyond the gut, and 94% don’t know what a tribiotic is or how it impacts their overall health. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to break it down for you.
Why is gut health so important?
Like we said, the human gut harbours trillions of microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi and many more – that collectively form the gut microbiota. While these microbes are critical for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, their influence extends far beyond digestion.
For starters, immune system regulation is almost wholly dependent on your gut, with more than 70% of the body’s immune cells residing within the region. The balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut directly influences how well our immune system can respond to threats. An imbalance of gut bacteria has been linked to various chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some cancers. Additionally, the gut plays in important role in managing your metabolism and in weight management.
Furthermore, there’s a strong relationship between the gut and fertility. This is because the gut and ovaries are connected by the gut-ovary axis. Gut microbiota have been shown to influence ovarian function and can impact follicular development, as Dr. Ross Walker, the Chairman of The Gut Foundation Australia, explains. “Not only does having a healthy gut promote healthy reproductive function but also a healthy vaginal microbiome,” he says. “Healthy bacteria live in symbiosis with the rest of the body. Our organ systems that have a direct contact with the outside world makes it vital that the bacteria involved assist in promoting the health of the reproductive organs.“
Beyond the physical benefits of having a healthy gut, there also mental rewards to be reaped. The gut-brain axis, which is linked by your nervous system, is deeply connected with emotional wellbeing. Neurotransmitters like serotonin are largely produced in the gut, making its balance crucial for strong mental health.
Increasing the health of your microbiome can be achieved by eating a fibre-rich diet. But while the recommended fibre intake is 30 grams per day, few Australians actually meet that mark, according to Dr. Walker. “In my view all people should be having 2 to 3 pieces of fruit per day and 3 to 5 servings of vegetables per day and sadly only around 4% of the population do so,” he says. “Those who do have the lowest rates of heart disease and cancer in the community and also have the best gut health.”
What are tribiotics?
Tribiotics are an advanced formulation that blends probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics, each of which plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the gut microbiome.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily beneficial bacteria, that can replenish and support the gut flora. When consumed, probiotics take over your gut, outcompeting harmful bacteria while promoting digestive and immune health.
Prebiotics are compounds that feed the beneficial bacteria already present in the gut. They typically come in the form of fibres or plant-based compounds and act as a fuel source that stimulates the growth of good bacteria.
Postbiotics are the newest addition to the gut health toolkit. They are bioactive compounds produced when probiotics consume prebiotics. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory effects and enhance the gut’s barrier function.
Together, these three components form what is known as tribiotics.
How do tribiotics boost gut health?
Unlike conventional probiotics that focus solely on introducing live bacteria into the system, tribiotics take a more comprehensive approach. The blend of prebiotics and postbiotics work together to support microbial diversity by encouraging the growth of a wide variety of beneficial bacteria, helping to maintain resilience against infections.
Tribiotics can also enhance the integrity of the gut barrier, which prevents harmful substances, such as toxins and pathogens, from leaking into the bloodstream. Postbiotics, specifically, have been shown to reinforce the gut lining, reducing the risk of leaky gut syndrome. Postbiotics also play a critical role in reducing inflammation by promoting the release of anti-inflammatory compounds, which can reduce the risk of chronic inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
Then there’s the more immediate impacts of optimising your microbial balance and improving gut health. Tribiotics can help alleviate common issues like bloating, constipation, and indigestion – stuff we all deal with at some point – so there’s something for everyone in a tribiotic-harnessing product. For more information on how you can boost your gut health, head to theronomic.com.
This article was brought to you by Theronomic
