It may seem obvious, but gut health is pretty important. It’s also surprisingly complex.

“It’s not just digestion of food, it also plays a vital role in our overall health and wellbeing,” says Rebecca Gawthorne. An accredited dietitian and nutritionist, Gawthorne is passionate about the holistic role that a healthy gut plays in our bodies, and there are plenty of reasons why it’s worth taking care of yourself down there.

“Good gut health will impact your immune system so you [might not] be getting sick as often,” she says. “Good gut health [can] impact our brain health too.”

Here are some terms dieticians and nutritionists use when contemplating your gut.

Probiotics

“Probiotics are living bacteria and when you consume them in a great enough amount they can help support our gut microbiome, which is all of the good bacteria that live in our gut,” Gawthorne says.

That biome is literally trillions of bacteria, unique to each of us, all working in balance to keep us healthy. The easiest way to get your fill of those good bacteria is to add some probiotic-rich food and drinks to your regular rotation, such as yoghurt, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, miso and natural kombuchas, like Lo Bros.

Prebiotics

You’re not seeing double – prebiotics are different to probiotics, but the two have a very special relationship. “Prebiotics are those fibres that feed the good bacteria [probiotics] that live in our gut,” says Gawthorne.

The good news is that prebiotics are abundant in many of the delicious foods you’re probably already eating. “Things like onion, garlic, leeks, asparagus, lentils and beans are all really good sources of those prebiotic fibres.”

Water

Look, you’re likely familiar with the concept of water. But despite us knowing that we need it to live, Gawthorne says that many of us fail to drink enough water to stay hydrated and feel healthy. (How much water have you actually had today? If you’re ashamed of the answer, read on.)

“Everyone knows that water is good for us but it’s actually really important that we’re drinking enough water for our gut health,” says Gawthorne. “It helps our body absorb nutrients during digestion and it also helps soften our stools so we can go to the toilet easier.”

Food intolerance

Gut health isn’t about eating what we’re told to eat, it’s also about listening to what our bodies are telling us. “Our gut health is so diverse and it really depends on the individual,” says Gawthorne.

There’s a full spectrum of foods that might upset our gut, so Gawthorne says that it’s worth seeking a medical opinion if you’re looking for a diagnosis. “Some people may react to different fruits and veggies, grains, dairy products. The key is making sure you get your own gut assessed if you’re struggling – and seeing a healthcare professional.”

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Lo Bros Kombucha. Lo Bros Kombucha is authentically fermented, naturally low in sugar and comes in a range of flavours. Available in Woolworths, Coles, Ritchies, Drakes Foodworks and IGA’s Nationally..