Der Meluka Australia Blog — P3 Gut Builder

For many of us, a diet soft drink feels like the perfect guilt-free indulgence, all the fizz and flavour without the calories. Yet emerging research on diet soft drinks and gut microbiome disruption paints a more concerning picture. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin in these beverages can alter gut bacteria balance, potentially fostering dysbiosis, inflammation, and metabolic shifts. 1 2 Disrupting the Balance Studies show these non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) reduce beneficial bacteria such as Clostridiaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus acidophilus while boosting pro-inflammatory strains like Proteobacteria and E. coli. A 2025 human trial found aspartame and sucralose...

Maintaining a healthy weight can get increasingly challenging with age. Starting in the late 30s, the body undergoes changes such as a slower basal metabolic rate and hormonal shifts, which can make losing weight more difficult. While drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro have dominated headlines with their dramatic results, there’s growing interest in gut-based solutions, like synbiotics, that may support weight management and overall metabolism with fewer side effects. ¹ Recent research suggests synbiotics, targeted combinations of prebiotics and probiotics, can positively influence body composition, metabolic markers and inflammatory processes linked to weight regulation and metabolic disease. ¹...

Between long lunches, BBQs, beach picnics, and a glass (or two) of bubbles, December and January can be a joyful time, but also a challenging one for your gut. It can often lead to increased reflux, bloating, indigestion, irregularity, or that general “heavy” feeling once celebrations begin. The good news? You can still join in the festivities without paying for it later. With a few simple habits, from smarter food pairings to scheduling regular movement, you can help to keep your digestive system calm, steady and resilient all summer long. Here’s how to stay in balance while enjoying the merriment....

Food sensitivities have become a growing concern for many Australians, with over up to 25% of Aussies* reporting its impact on their daily lives and overall well-being. Unlike food allergies which cause immediate and severe reactions, food sensitivities can trigger more subtle, delayed symptoms, including bloating, fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues. These sensitivities can make navigating mealtimes and dining out both challenging as well as uncomfortable. What many individuals suffering from food sensitivities may not realise, however, is that these reactions often provide important clues about the state of their gut health. The Link Between Food Sensitivities and Gut Health...