FAQs about the Boosts
About five years ago, after a colonoscopy, my gastroenterologist recommended a fibre supplement to keep things moving. It worked but also brought bad tummy pains. Not ideal. I looked at another brand but was put off by the long list of artificial flavours and colours.
Turns out, I wasn’t alone. Many people struggle to get enough fibre, especially on a gluten-free or low-FODMAP diet.
That’s why Josephine and I created Superflora shakes, with a gentle blend of fibre, delivering 7g of fibre per serve, along with protein and probiotics. Problem solved.
But in the back of my mind, I wondered if we could also create a great tasting and effective fibre supplement that could be simply stirred in water - a quick and enjoyable daily gut health ritual.
We searched the medical literature for the best soluble fibre option. We found 24 clinical trials on partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG). It turn out that PHGG is gut health gold. It normalises poop frequency and form, balances the microbiome, and is fermented into highly beneficial short chain fatty acids, but without causing painful bloating.
And so, we created Daily Gut Health Boosts. We combined PHGG prebiotic fibre, a probiotic, and real fruit powders to make a drink so good you’d actually look forward to it.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Boosts – all the benefits, who they help and how to prepare them.
How do I prepare my Daily Gut Health Boost?
Simply stir 10g of Daily Gut Health Boost powder into 125 ml (1/2 a cup) of chilled water.
10g is 2 dessert spoons, but spoons differ in size, so weigh if you can.
It’s ok to leave it for a couple of hours in the fridge if you wish, but re-stir before drinking.
Increase your fibre intake gradually and up your water intake along with your fibre, especially if you struggle with constipation. We suggest following your Boost with a large glass of water.
Will it improve regularity?
Yes, the boosts contain PHGG, which helps food move through the gut at just the right pace, and promotes regularity without causing bloating.
PHGG is soluble fibre. It soaks up water to soften the stool, so it is easy to pass. This eases constipation.
What if things are moving too fast?
Unlike many types of fibre the PHGG in the Boosts has truly regulating effects helping with diarrhoea as well as constipation. The PHGG binds excess water and adds more bulk to the stool.
I’m nervous about fibre - will the Boosts cause bloating?
PHGG is gently fermented by the good gut bacteria in the gut. But it is fermented further along the digestive tract than other types of fibre. This means it is far less likely to cause pain and bloating.
The probiotic in the Boosts reduces irritable bowel bloating and discomfort.
What are the other benefits of PHGG?
PHGG is a prebiotic fibre, it increases levels of the good gut bacteria, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli promoting digestive balance.
PHGG fermentation by the microbiome results in short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate. SCFAs are a primary energy source for colon cells, supporting gut barrier function, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.
SCFAs also reduce inflammation, and potentially lower risks of certain diseases like colon cancer. SCFAs also play a role in regulating blood sugar, aiding in weight management, and even influencing brain function.
Why Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856?
There is a wealth of clinical evidence backing the gut health benefits of the probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856.
It contributes live beneficial bacteria and supports the health and diversity of the gut microbiome.
It is also reduces irritable bowel discomfort and bloating and restores digestive health. For more information about Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 read our recent blog.
Is there enough of the good stuff?
Yes, each serve of Boost contains 5g of PHGG. This amount reflects the dosages used in the clinical trials that demonstrate the gut health benefits.
Similarly, we used a dose (1 billion CFUs) of the probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 that is proven to reduce IBS symptoms.
Are Boosts suitable for vegans?
Yes, they are suitable for people following a vegan diet.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes. Both our Daily Gut Health Boost drink mixes have been tested by a WA-based NATA accredited lab so you can be confident that they have no detectable gluten.
What about FODMAPs?
If you follow a low-FODMAP diet you’ll spot the low FODMAP fruit in our Greens+ and Berries+ Daily Gut Health Boost drink mixes.
You can also enjoy a tropical boost. Whilst many tropical juices are off the table for fodmappers, we’ve carefully balanced the tropical fruit powders in our Tropical+ Boost to ensure it is also low in FODMAPs.
All the Boosts have been tested and certified low FODMAP by Monash University.
How often should I have it?
Daily. We recommend a daily ritual of Superflora Gut Health Boost before breakfast.
Consistency pays off. While we’d love to spruik instant impact, studies have shown that it can take a few weeks for the full benefits of PHGG and Bacillius coagulans MTCC 5856 to kick in for you and your microbiome. That’s why there’s 30 serves per pack.
If you aren’t used to fibre, you may wish to start with a half serve for the first week and then increase to the full 10g.
Studies have demonstrated that up to 30g of PHGG a day is well tolerated. Each serve of Boosts have 5g of PHGG, so it you wanted to have two serves a day, one in the morning and one in the evening feel free.
Remember, it’s also a good idea to increase your water intake whenever you increase your fibre.
How is it different from the Superflora Gut Health Shakes?
Both the Daily Gut Health Boost and our Gut Health Shakes contain fibre and probiotics.
However, our gut health shakes have a special blend of fibres, not just PHGG. They also have high quality, gut-friendly protein and ingredients like coconut milk powder and lucuma to make them more balanced and substantial.
This means the shakes are great as the base of a low-FODMAP meal - add milk and even a little low FODMAP fruit for a fabulous, filling smoothie for breakfast or lunch.
Can I add it to the shakes?
No, we don’t recommend adding the Daily Gut Health Boost to our Gut Health Shakes. It will make the shakes too thick.
Making a smoothie with fruit and lactose-free yoghurt? Then yes, adding a serving of Boost will add great additional flavour and fibre.
You could have the Daily Gut Health Boost before breakfast and then a shake at lunch time. But if you’re taking both, make sure you build up gradually if you’re not used to this amount of fibre.
What does it taste like?
The Berries+ Daily Gut Heath Boost drink tastes like a fabulous mix of ripe raspberries and strawberries.
The Greens+ Daily Gut Health Boost drink provides a citrusy mix of lemon and lime, taht complements the earthy greens.
Tropical+ Daily Gut Health Boost is a luscious cocktail of mango, passionfruit, pineapple and more!
Do they contain artificial sweeteners?
No, no, no! Many artificial sweeteners, especially those containing polyols, sorbitol and mannitol can trigger IBS symptoms causing cramping, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea. So we’ve avoided all the nasties. The boosts are sweetened naturally by a little maple syrup sugar and the fruit.
Anything we’ve missed?
Get in touch with us at flora@noisyguts,net and we’d be happy to answer any additional questions.