We now appreciate that gut health is more than just another health trend. As research within the field grows, we realise how little we actually understand about the gut microbiome and how it underpins overall well-being. The field of gut health research is vast and provides one of the most promising areas for further understanding human performance and longevity.
As greens powders gain popularity for their health benefits, high-quality options like Beyond Greens are designed to do more than just fill nutrient gaps or act as a cover for missing out on your 5-a-day. Beyond Greens supports gut health on multiple levels by incorporating ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, from alleviating bloating to promoting regularity.
In this article, we’ll consider the science behind gut health and how greens powders can improve digestion.
Why gut health matters for overall health
In recent years, the gut has been called the “second brain” because of its extensive role in body functions beyond digestion. Not only does it house 7% of the immune system, but through the gut-brain axis, it communicates directly with your brain, meaning it can influence mood, cognitive function and overall energy levels. When your gut health is out of balance, it can impact every system in your body, leading to mental fatigue, energy slumps, digestive discomfort and bloating.
Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for those looking to support better physical and mental well-being.
How Greens Powders Support Gut Health
Greens powders are designed to deliver highly concentrated blends of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, superfoods, roots, and herbs. Premium blends such as Beyond Greens go further by adding ingredients specifically selected to support the gut, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Let’s take a deeper look at how these ingredients work together to support improved gut health.
Prebiotics: Feeding the Good Bacteria
Prebiotics are a form of dietary fibre that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Unlike regular fibre, prebiotics encourage a balanced gut environment by selectively nourishing “good” bacteria. Research has shown that prebiotic fibres can promote beneficial microbial growth, which contributes to reduced digestive issues and improved bowel regularity.
According to a study in Nutrients (2007), prebiotic fibres, such as inulin, are highly effective in promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This plays a critical role in reducing inflammation and maintaining overall gut health. Serving as fuel for good bacteria, these prebiotics allow them to thrive and out-compete harmful bacteria, reducing digestive discomfort and bloating.
In Beyond Greens, prebiotics like inulin and apple fibre pectin nourish beneficial bacteria, helping you maintain a balanced microbiome. This balance is critical to supporting regular bowel movements and contributing to a more resilient gut.
Probiotics: Rebalancing the Gut Microbiome
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain a balanced gut microbiome by introducing beneficial bacteria when consumed in adequate amounts. They can aid digestion, support immune function, and counterbalance the harmful bacteria that sit in the gut.
A Nutrients study (2023) confirmed the importance of probiotics for gut health. The study showed that probiotics improve microbial diversity in the gut and positively impact digestive health.
Beyond Greens includes a probiotic blend with 15 billion CFU (colony-forming units), carefully selected to support microbial diversity and gut balance. It specifically contains strains that support a resilient gut microbiome and gut-brain axis communication, making it the choice for those focused on long-term digestive health and looking for a competitive edge.
Digestive Enzymes: Breaking Down Nutrients Efficiently
Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food into nutrients the body can absorb. Without sufficient digestive enzymes, the body is unable to break down food. Not only does this lead to common issues such as bloating and indigestion, but nutrient malabsorption is also more worrisome. In this case, the body isn’t able to reap the benefits of the vitamins and minerals packed into food, and over time, in extreme cases, it can lead to malnutrition.
Digestive enzyme blends, such as Digezyme in Beyond Greens, assist the body in breaking down protein, fats, and carbohydrates, ensuring smooth digestion and optimal nutrient absorption.
Research published in Foods (2021) supports the role of digestive enzymes in reducing gastrointestinal discomfort as well as improving nutrient uptake. Including enzymes in greens powders, particularly those formulated for improved gut health, can make a real difference to how you digest and absorb nutrients, not only minimising digestive discomfort and supporting overall better gut function but ensuring your body can reap the benefits from an overall nutrient-rich diet.
How Greens Powders Can Help with Constipation, Regularity and Hydration
According to official NHS statistics, 1 in 7 adults in the UK are affected by constipation at any one time. One of the main causes is a lack of fibre in the diet from foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. The recommended daily fibre intake for a UK adult is 30g per day; however, the average adult only consumes around 18g per day, 60% of what it should be.
The second leading cause is thought to be dehydration, with adults in the UK drinking only 53% of the water they should and, more alarmingly, 60% of the UK population drinking the equivalent of 1 glass of water or less per day. Hydration is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements, as water softens stool, making it easier to pass and preventing constipation. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2016) found that even a mild dehydration status of 0.72% significantly harms cognitive function, highlighting how hydration affects both mental and physical well-being.
Is it any wonder that we’re a nation backed up, bloated, and suffering from brain fog?
Greens powders with fibre, prebiotics, and probiotics have shown potential in promoting regular bowel movements, easing constipation, and supporting hydration:
- Fibre: Soluble and insoluble fibres in greens powders help add bulk to stool, promoting regularity. The Nutrients (2017) study showed that dietary fibres like inulin can promote stool regularity and reduce constipation by enhancing gut microbiota composition.
- Prebiotics and Probiotics: These ingredients support healthy bowel movements by stimulating beneficial bacteria, which improves gut transit time and helps alleviate constipation.
- Hydration Support: Mixing greens powders with water encourages increased fluid intake, which helps hydrate the body and softens stool. Some high-quality greens powders also include natural electrolytes, which support better cellular hydration, aiding both digestive function and energy levels.
Beyond Greens combines these gut-supportive ingredients to help maintain regularity and encourage hydration. With ongoing use, it is designed to be your all-around gut health and digestive support partner.
Can Greens Powders Cause Digestive Discomfort?
Due to some greens powders, including prebiotics, fibre, and probiotics, mild digestive discomfort can occur when first introducing such products. This reaction is usually temporary as your gut microbiome adjusts to the new ingredients. However, this can be minimised for many by simply starting with a smaller serving. The potential for initial discomfort is increased for those currently eating a less nutrient-dense diet, which lacks diversity; however, for those leading a predominantly whole foods-based diet, the chances are significantly reduced.
Tip: If you’re new to Beyond Greens, start with a half dose to let your body adjust to the prebiotics and probiotics. This gradual approach allows the gut microbiome to adapt without causing excessive discomfort, making it an easier transition.
Long-Term Gut Health Benefits of Greens Powders
For those who are serious about optimising their health, the long-term benefits of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome are well supported. Consistently using a high-quality greens powder can contribute to:
- Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: When your gut is balanced, nutrients from your diet and supplements are absorbed more effectively, supporting energy and mental clarity.
- Enhanced Immune Health: Given that a large part of the immune system is located in the gut, a balanced microbiome supports immune resilience, protecting against everyday stressors.
- Increased Mental Clarity and Mood Stability: The gut’s direct link to the brain means that better gut health can translate to better mood regulation and mental performance.
Final Thoughts: Are Greens Powders Good for Gut Health?
The science is clear: a balanced gut is essential for overall wellness, and greens powders can be a valuable part of a gut health strategy. When they contain the right blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, greens powders, like Beyond Greens, can support a balanced microbiome, helping to alleviate digestive discomfort, reduce bloating, and improve regularity.
FAQs
Can greens powders help with constipation?
Yes, greens powders that include prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber—like Beyond Greens—can support regularity and alleviate constipation by promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
Why do greens powders sometimes cause bloating?
Mild bloating can occur as the gut adjusts to prebiotics and probiotics. Starting with a smaller dose can help reduce initial discomfort as your body adapts.
Are digestive enzymes in greens powders really beneficial?
Absolutely. Digestive enzymes break down food, making nutrients more accessible for your body to absorb, reducing bloating and supporting gut health.
How long does it take to see gut health benefits from greens powders?
Results vary, but most people notice improvements in digestion within a few days to a couple of weeks. Consistent use is key for long-term benefits.
Is it safe to use greens powders daily for gut health?
Generally, yes. High-quality greens powders are safe for regular use. Choose products that use third-party testing, like Beyond Greens, for best results.