Still wake up feeling inexplicably fatigued, even after having around 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep? Your gut may hold some answers. Recent research is uncovering the fascinating connection between gut health and energy levels, showing that the trillions of microbes living in your digestive system do far more than help digest food; they are key players in how energetic (or fatigued) you feel each day.
The Energy and Gut Connection
Your gut microbiome is a complex community of bacteria and other microbes that do more than just digest food. They help produce vital nutrients, support your immune system, and even communicate with your brain, and that is just the beginning.
A recent exploratory study found specific gut bacteria that are correlated with feelings of both mental and physical energy and fatigue. The bacterium Anaerostipes was positively linked to mental energy and negatively linked to both mental and physical fatigue. Interestingly, bacteria associated with energy tend to perform metabolic functions, while those linked to fatigue are often associated with inflammation.¹
The same study found that processed meat consumption was linked to increased fatigue and decreased energy, further highlighting how the food you eat can shape your gut microbiome and, in turn, your energy levels.¹
Why probiotics matter for your energy levels
Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that help to keep your gut microbiome in a healthy balance, and that balance can play a big role in how energised you feel. Here’s how probiotics can support steady energy levels:
Better Digestion & Nutrient Absorption: Probiotics help break down complex food particles, making nutrients more accessible for absorption. Improved nutrient uptake means your body gets more of the vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron, essential for energy production.
Reduced Digestive Discomfort: An imbalanced gut can lead to gut discomforts such as bloating, gas or constipation, common culprits of fatigue.
Healthy Immune Function: With over 70% of your immune function located in the gut, a healthy gut is important to maintaining a healthy immune system. Probiotics help support the production of protective antibodies and reduce inflammation, both of which can help beat fatigue.
Spotlight on Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Not all probiotics are created equal; some strains are particularly powerful when it comes to boosting energy. Studies have found that the Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain has been shown to improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue by supporting muscle function, reducing oxidative stress, and positively influencing the gut microbiota. ²
Our unique Lactobacillus rhamnosus Beebiotic MAP01® strain, discovered in thriving beehives nestled in the pristine Bungawalbin Valley of Northern NSW, is a powerful, naturally derived strain that is a key ingredient in all our Postbiotic Tonics and Gut Nutrition Powders.
The Case for Postbiotics
Postbiotics are the powerful compounds that probiotics produce when they break down fibre and other nutrients, also known as prebiotics. These include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, propionate, which are important for your body because they act as a direct energy source for the cells lining your colon. They also help maintain the integrity of your gut lining and reduce inflammation throughout the body, important factors that contribute to better overall health and potentially better energy levels. Emerging postbiotic research suggests that their gut barrier, protective and anti-inflammatory benefits can help support steady energy production and reduce feelings of fatigue. ³ ⁴
Building Your Gut Microbiome for Better Energy
To help your gut help you, a diet rich in plant-based fibre can help to fuel the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Think whole grains, legumes, fruits, and veggies. Include fermented foods like kefir, greek yogurt, and sauerkraut for a natural probiotic boost.
For a triple-action postbiotic boost, P3 Gut Builder is a great place to start. It combines prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics into a delicious fermented postbiotic tonic that is easy to enjoy and easy for your body to digest and absorb. It contains our unique Lactobacillus rhamnosus Beebiotic MAP01® strain alongside the Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Postbiotic strain, which has shown promising results in studies for restoring muscle and bone energy metabolism via butyrate production, and Bifidobacterium lactis strain, which has been shown in studies to help boost energy by increasing the amount of energy your body burns at rest.
