The Meluka Australia Blog — Healthy Living

As we move through different stages of life, our bodies naturally change, and so do the needs of our gut. From hormone shifts and changes in metabolism to increased stress and a slower digestive system, each decade brings its own set of challenges that can impact gut health. And because the gut plays such a central role in our overall wellbeing, from immune health and energy to mood and metabolic health, it’s essential to care for it in a way that evolves with us. Is Your Gut Telling You Something? An imbalanced gut doesn’t always make itself known in obvious...

A recent review found that probiotics can help improve metabolic health outcomes for adolescents. Conducted by researchers in China, the paper looked at the effect of probiotics on overweight and obese children for weight loss. Looking across four studies with 206 children, some participants were given probiotics, while others were given a placebo.     The Gut-Metabolic Connection The gut plays a crucial role in metabolic health, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. It also impacts hormone and neurotransmitter production, influencing metabolism, satiety, cravings and eating habits. The paper found that probiotics might assist in lowering levels of certain substances in the...

Growing evidence is revealing a link between gut health and cardiovascular wellbeing. A recent 2023 review explored how the trillions of microbes residing in the gut impact heart health. It found that gut bacteria play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol levels, inflammation, and blood pressure – all key risk factors for heart disease. Getting To The Heart of It Regulating Cholesterol Levels- Gut bacteria have the potential to influence cholesterol production and absorption. They can potentially help to decrease LDL cholesterol levels (an indicator of high cholesterol) and raise HDL cholesterol levels (an indicator of healthy cholesterol). Managing Inflamation-  The gut microbiome plays...

As the colder months settle in, so do the seasonal bugs, and your gut plays a bigger role in immune defence than you might think. Around 70% of your immune system lives in your gut, which means the balance of bacteria in your microbiome can have a direct impact on how resilient you are to colds, flus, and other winter infections.   What are probiotics and postbiotics? Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as "good bacteria" that work to support your digestive health, enhance nutrient absorption, and promote an overall healthy and balanced gut microbiome. You can think of...