Are gut health shots actually good for you?
Gut health shots are everywhere right now, especially little bottles filled with ingredients such as probiotics, apple cider vinegar, ginger, turmeric etc. But, the big question is, are they actually good for you?
The short answer is…. They can be! However, it totally depends on what’s in them and what your body actually needs. A lot of shop bought gut shots aren’t as great as they seem. Many of them make big claims about being “gut friendly” but most actually contain fewer live cultures compared to homemade. On top of that, they’re often packed with additives, preservatives, and unnecessary sugars, which in my eyes, pretty much defeats the whole purpose of a “health shot” in the first place! Always read the ingredients list.
The best natural gut shots…
If you’re looking for the optimal shots for gut health, homemade options like kefir and kombucha could be incredible for you.
Homemade kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk packed with lots of probiotic strains- there’s also a water version, if you can’t tolerate dairy. Kefir contains more cultures than you’d get in full fat yoghurt. It can help balance your gut bacteria, support digestion, improve your immune system, and even help lower inflammation. Plus, when you make it at home, it’s fresher and is known to have even more active cultures than shop bought ones. Personally, I much prefer the homemade taste, as its fermentation is much more lively and, as you can pick the dairy base and it’s quality, you can adapt it to your taste. For example, if you opted for full fat jersey milk, you can make it taste even creamier.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fizzy, fermented tea full of probiotics, antioxidants, and organic acids. It’s great for contributing to your health just like homemade kefir. However, it’s always wise to be aware that some (in fact, I’d probably say as many as most!) shop bought kombucha are often loaded with sugar (or even worse artificial sweeteners and other additives!), so it’s best to pick a low sugar version or brew your own if you want the full benefits without the unnecessary extras. Plus, when you make it at home, you can create your own unique flavours too. I always find homemade ones taste more potent, so you don’t necessarily need to drink as much.
However, they’re not for everyone…
If you’ve got gut complaints such as IBS, SIBO or a sensitive stomach, you’ll want to be a bit more mindful, as it can cause bloating or discomfort if your gut isn’t ready for it yet. So, if you’re just starting out, a few helpful tips are:
Start small- just a few sips a day/few days
Opt low sugar/natural options
Listen to how your body feels after it
Everyone’s gut is different and what could help one person feel amazing, it may not for another.
Gut health shots can definitely be a fab addition to your morning routine, and more so if they’re made from natural ingredients such as the above. As always, it’s about finding what works for you. Start slow, stay consistent, and find a way of giving your gut a little love!
