Gut Health Guide: Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes & More
The gut is often called the body’s “second brain” — and for good reason. A healthy digestive system is fundamental to overall wellbeing, influencing everything from immunity and energy to mood and skin health. Here’s a guide to the key categories in our Gut Health collection.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The gut microbiome — the vast community of bacteria, yeasts, and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract — plays a central role in digestion, immune function, and even mental health via the gut-brain axis.
- Optibac For Every Day EXTRA Strength — the UK’s leading probiotic brand, with 5 clinically researched strains at 20 billion live cultures per capsule. Suitable for everyday support and immune resilience
- Optibac For Those on Antibiotics — targeted support during and after antibiotic courses
- Optibac For Travelling Abroad — ideal for gut protection when away from home
- Optibac Saccharomyces boulardii — a specialist yeast-based probiotic particularly useful for travel-related digestive disruption and antibiotic recovery
- Symprove (Mango & Passionfruit) or Symprove (Strawberry & Raspberry) — a water-based, multi-strain live bacteria supplement with a unique delivery mechanism that allows bacteria to survive the acidic stomach environment
- Naked Biotics RESTORE and Naked Biotics MAINTAIN — fermented liquid probiotic formulas using a traditional lacto-fermentation process, designed to support microbiome diversity and resilience
- Everyday BioAcidophilus — a high-potency Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement, one of the most researched probiotic strains
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes help break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. Enzyme production can decline with age or be impaired by stress, illness, or certain medications.
- Solgar Digestive Enzymes — a comprehensive blend of plant-based enzymes including amylase, protease, lipase, and cellulase
- Solgar Vegan Digestive Enzymes — a fully plant-based enzyme formula suitable for vegans
- Viridian Digestive Aid (High Potency) — a high-strength enzyme complex with added betaine HCl and ginger root to support optimal digestion
Gut-Nourishing Botanicals & Drinks
- Fushi Organic Aloe Vera Juice — cold-pressed, certified organic aloe vera juice with a long tradition of use for digestive comfort and gut lining support
- Planet Paleo Digestive Collagen — a collagen supplement with added digestive botanicals, designed to support gut lining integrity
A Note on Gut Health
Persistent digestive symptoms such as bloating, IBS, or changes in bowel habit should always be investigated by your GP before self-supplementing. A healthcare professional can rule out underlying conditions and guide targeted treatment. Probiotics and digestive supplements work best as part of a diet rich in fibre, fermented foods, and diverse plant foods.