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...

Struggling to stay awake by 3 pm? Here are three simple hacks to help you power through the afternoon and feel energised throughout the day. 1. Take Short BreaksTake a moment to step outside and breathe in the fresh air, or spend a few minutes stretching your body. This can work wonders in resetting your mind and body, while helping you feel more energized and refreshed. 2. Healthy SnackingWhile it might be tempting to reach for something sweet for a quick energy boost, opt for snacks like fruits, nuts, or yogurt to keep your energy levels stable. 3. Perk up...

Having trouble managing your sugar cravings? Ongoing sugar cravings could point to gut microbiome imbalance. Here are five signs that could connect your sugar cravings to your gut health.Struggling with regularity?Irregular bowels might be a sign your gut could be struggling to digestand retain nutrients. This can result in your body craving sugar as a quick energy source. Growing list of food intolerances?If the list of foods you can tolerate is shrinking rapidly, this could be a sign of inflammation in your gut. This could lead to the brain releasing chemicals that might trigger cravings for sugary foods to alleviate 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...