Gut Health
Our bellies and our brains are connected. Essentially all health issues start in the gut and our digestive system is responsible not just for gut health, but also our mental, emotional, physical and overall wellbeing.
Stress influences the gut significantly. When we are stressed, the body diverts energy and blood flow away from the digestive system and that’s why we have so many gut problems, because we are constantly stressed.
A healthy digestive tract and a healthy, functioning gut mean a healthy body. This makes sense because everything we eat and drink gets digested and absorbed in the gut. If the gut doesn’t work properly, it affects all other systems in the body. When you ignore those whispers, they can become screams and shouts.
Countless people are suffering from gut challenges and Annique has amazing, effective and safe natural solutions to help them improve their wellbeing significantly. Let’s take a look at some of our health products that will help you sort out your gut issues, for good.
Did you know Rooibos aids in digestion?
It helps soothe stomach aches. A study published in the Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology Journal shows that compounds in Rooibos like quercetin, orientin and vitexin helped to relax the digestive system and relieve feelings of discomfort. Another reason to love Rooibos!
Now, let’s talk about collagen. When we think about collagen, most people would relate it to skin care, but younger-looking skin is merely the beginning of the benefits of collagen. Collagen also plays an important role in building and maintaining healthy connective tissue throughout your body and, more specifically, your digestive tract.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Think of it as the glue that keeps our bodies intact and functioning optimally. It is made from chains of amino acids. These amino acids are the building blocks for our bodies and helps support our connective tissues, joint health, digestive system health, skin health, and so much more. As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen and this is where we see signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, and lacklustre skin. But what we don’t see is what happens inside our bodies. We don’t see our joints, bones, muscles and digestive system deteriorating or our gut lining being compromised. This is where collagen can be so beneficial to your gut and overall health! In a nutshell: collagen aids in digestion; collagen repairs the gut lining; and collagen is beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome and leaky gut syndrome.
Research has shown that people with lower collagen levels are more likely to have digestive imbalances. To address this you should be looking to take a collagen supplement, specifically one that contains hydrolysed collagen. This means the collagen has been broken down into very small particles, making it easier for your digestive system to absorb and digest.
Annique has two products that contain hydrolysed collagen, namely the Bone Broth and the Raspberry Flavoured Collagen Drink. Both of these provide the goodness of collagen and can be used interchangeably. The new and improved Hearty Vegetable flavour Bone Broth contains additional hydrolysed gelatine and can be enjoyed hot, especially now in winter. And the Collagen Drink on the other hand contains only collagen and can be enjoyed cold. The Hearty Vegetable Flavoured Bone Broth Single Sachet now contains additional hydrolysed gelatine and a hugely improved flavour.
Some of the benefits of the added hydrolysed gelatine include: the proteins are broken into amino acids which makes it easier to digest…it helps with bone problems like osteoarthritis…it improves brain function and therefore mental health…and it helps you feel full so you experience reduced snack cravings.
Magnesium is critical in helping your digestive system work optimally and can even prevent disease later in life.
Magnesium Glycinate, a supplement that boosts deficiency in this mineral and is a fantastic supplement if you have gut issues.
If you are experiencing poor mental performance…depression…fatigue…irritability…or muscle spasms…chances are you could be one of 75% of South Africans who are not getting enough magnesium in your diet.
If you have a gastrointestinal disease, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and ulcerative colitis, you are most likely deficient in magnesium.
The World Health Organisation, or WHO, reports that three quarters of South Africans don’t consume even half of their required magnesium daily. That’s alarming.
Annique’s Magnesium Glycinate is bioavailable…that means it enters circulation when taken…and highly absorbable. Annique’s Magnesium Glycinate is available in a convenient, easy to drink effervescent tablet.
Toxins and nitrates can harm the gut and overburden the body. We are exposed to many toxins every day, from pollution to pesticides, unfiltered water, amalgam tooth fillings and so much more.
As a result of this exposure you might suffer from irritable bowel syndrome…spastic colon…heartburn and ulcers. Toxin overload can be the cause and Annique’s Zerotox can help. This amazing supplement contains Absorbatox, a unique mineral that adsorbs toxins, heavy metals and nitrates. Nitrates are added to food to prevent bacteria growth and gives processed meat that pink colour. It has even been linked to colon cancer.
Zerotox acts like a ‘super mop’ in the gastrointestinal tract and does not get absorbed into the blood stream. It is therefore super effective in non-invasive detox…relieving allergies…improving nutritional absorption…as well as helping with general gastro-intestinal health problems.
Taking a probiotic supplement is the core of your health supplement program – everybody can benefit from it! Great health starts in the gut. An imbalance between good and bad organisms in the digestive tract can lead to poor digestion, discomfort in the gut and many illnesses develop as a result of prolonged imbalances in the gut. The entire gut lining is replenished every 4 days, so continual supplementation of probiotics, like with the new OptiFlora+, is key to great health.
The OptiFlora+ now contains 15 strains and a total of 18 billion CFUs of probiotics. This is a revolutionary formula and a first in South Africa! Most other probiotics contain 9 strains of probiotics and are marketed as advanced or intense, but OptiFlora+ contains 15 strains.
Probiotics help ensure that the maximum nutrition is extracted from food and supplements and allows the digestive system to function optimally and heal itself. Every single person should be taking a probiotic supplement daily. Its benefits are vast, from soothing digestive problems to clearing skin problems like eczema and allergies to strengthening your immune system.
If you suffer from gastrointestinal challenges, probiotics, like the incredible new OptiFlora+ is the solution to your discomfort, food allergies, and longevity. It can improve symptoms like bloating, indigestion, diarrhoea, cramps, thrust, ulcers…or much more.
Without good digestion and optimal elimination of waste from the body your health could be compromised. Many, many people suffer from constipation. It can be painful, uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating. Having it once in a while is quite common, but if you have suffered from problems on and off for more than 3 months or you don’t have a bowel movement at least 3 times a week, your condition is chronic.
What is the answer? Dietary fibre!
Your body needs at least 21 grams of fibre per day to ensure regulated bowel movement. The average person eats only about between 10 and 12 grams of fibre each day. Women should try to eat at least 21 to 25 grams of fibre per day, while men should aim for 30 to 38 grams per day.
Studies show that 60% or less of the population are getting the recommended fibre intake. However, Annique has the solution with our OptiFibre Supplement in the Forever Healthy range.
And why is it so effective? Because Annique’s Fibre supplement consists of two essential ingredients: Inulin and Psyllium Husk. Inulin is a soluble prebiotic fibre…which acts like food for probiotics – helping them to multiply. This is important because these digestive bacteria play a significant role in how well you absorb nutrients and even produce hormones related to anxiety and appetite.
Psyllium Husk is important because it contains 70% soluble fibre, which means it can help increase feelings of fullness and slow digestion and is a natural bulk-forming laxative…thereby aiding in relieving constipation.
One thing to note here is that fluid intake together with OptiFibre is critically important. Fibre needs fluid to work optimally, so have plenty to drink when you eat a high-fibre diet or fibre supplements. Drink at least two liters of water and/or Rooibos per day. And the best time to take this supplement is early in the morning on an empty stomach.
To recap, and six reasons why you should be taking OptiFibre: One, it helps prevent and treat constipation. Two, it helps to prevent some bowel conditions such as diverticular disease and piles. Three, it helps to lose or control weight. Four, it can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Five, it can help to lower your blood cholesterol levels. And six, it can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help control your blood sugar levels.
Because of our modern diets, stress, our environment and poor food quality, we need additional help from supplements…and Annique has the answers with well-researched, highly effective gut supplements.