Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a pivotal role in your overall health. Yet, navigating the world of gut health can feel like trying to decode a secret language. In Australia, gut health’s connection to overall health is becoming increasingly apparent. According to a 2023 CSIRO report, nearly 50% of Australians experience digestive discomfort weekly, with many turning to gut-supportive products for relief.
The term ‘biotic’ is derived from the Greek word biōtikós, meaning ‘pertaining to life’, and refers to the ecosystem made up of living organisms and their environment.
Postbiotics is a relatively new term in the ‘-biotics’ field. Postbiotics, are bioactive compounds produced by non-living microorganisms during a fermentation process.
Probiotics are found in yoghurts, and fermented foods such as miso, tempeh, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha. Strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are frequently found in these foods and supplements. Probiotics are live microorganisms, and have specific health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Australians have a growing awareness of gut health’s importance in health, with 29% of adults consuming probiotic-rich foods and supplements regularly (Roy Morgan).
Probiotics assist with neurotransmitter production (gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) used by our brain for sleep, mood, motivation, concentration and behaviour. Probiotics have been shown to improve digestion, digestive tract barrier function, mineral absorption, energy metabolism and satiety. They can also be useful when reducing the risk of intestinal infections.
If probiotics are the friendly bacteria, prebiotics are their food. These non-digestible fibers nourish beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping them thrive. Think of prebiotics as the foundation for a healthy microbiome. Foods rich in prebiotics include bananas, garlic, onions, asparagus, and whole grains. Since gut health plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption—including iron—incorporating iron-rich foods can further support overall well-being. Try adding iron-rich snacks and recipes like the ones we prepared for you in our Iron Rich Snacks e-recipe book to nourish both your gut and your body.
Synbiotics combine probiotics and prebiotics into a single product, creating a synergistic effect that enhances gut health. For example, a yoghurt fortified with inulin (a prebiotic fibre) is a classic synbiotic food. These products deliver beneficial bacteria and the nourishment they need to thrive, offering a one-two punch for your digestive system.
Postbiotics are the bioactive compounds produced when probiotics consume prebiotics. These byproducts, such as short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, and peptides, reduce inflammation, support immune function, and improve gut barrier integrity. They provide beneficial solutions for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and metabolic disorders.
Unlike probiotics, postbiotics are not live organisms, making them more stable and easier to incorporate into supplements and functional foods. They offer similar health benefits to probiotics without the challenges of keeping live bacteria viable.
A balanced gut microbiome doesn’t just affect digestion; it influences mental health, immunity, hormones, and even athletic performance.
By embracing gut health, you’re not just supporting your digestive system; you’re nurturing a foundation for overall well-being.
Whether you’re an athlete seeking peak performance or someone aiming for better health, your gut deserves attention. Start small, stay consistent, and let us show you how these simple changes can transform your life from the inside out
Kate Smyth is a sports naturopath, nutritionist and female-centric running coach. She is the founder of the Athlete Sanctuary - a holistic healthcare clinic for athletes of all levels and sporting codes.
Kate has a thirst for knowledge, with two bachelor's and a master’s degree under her belt. She has been involved in sports for many decades and competed for Australia in the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games marathons with a personal best time of 2 hours 28 minutes.
Kate certainly knows what it’s like to face challenges when pursuing a dream.
Kate faced many challenges and obstacles during her eight year journey from fun runner to Commonwealth and Olympic marathoner (2006, Commonwealth Games and 2008 Beijing Olympics). She obtained her personal best time of 2:28 for the marathon in Nagano, Japan at 35 years of age.
Kate believes there isn’t just one way to better health and performance. Her mission is to educate female athletes on how to make the most out of being a female athlete through a holistic and balanced approach.
On the back of her deep desire to help other athletes overcome many of the same health issues she now dedicates her time to improving female athletic performance and health.
Kate has completed three university degrees including a Masters and a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathic medicine). She has also undertaken additional training in thyroid health, sports nutrition, digestive health and female athlete hormones…. just in case you are wondering.
She coaches, mentors and facilitates training camps for aspiring runners including some of Australia’s best distance athletes.
Kate is also a celebrant supporting families through holding meaningful ceremonies for loved ones. She has a special interest in baby/ infant naming days and memorial services for infants, babies, stillborn babies and loss through miscarriages.
As an athlete, coach and business owner she understands what it can be like to juggle many priorities. She is described by her patients as compassionate, warm, grounded, realistic, practical, and knowledgeable.
Targeted naturopathic care, nutrition and holistic coaching for active individuals.
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