Happy Gut Tropical

Gut health is the function of the entire digestive tract - all 9 metres of it. A relatively new area of scientific discovery, the importance of gut health to our overall health is increasingly in the limelight with research showing that the gut microbiome could impact EVERY ORGAN IN OUR BODIES.

Gut health has been linked to…

The immune system

Mental health

Autoimmune disease

Endocrine disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders

Cardiovascular disease

Cancer

Sleep

Digestion

While research is ongoing, there are also indications that gut health can support skin health and even weight management.

Every one of us has a unique microbiome made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi and microbes. This little gut squad has been shown to play a role in digestion, in stimulating and training the immune system, in nervous system regulation and energy release.

A healthy gut contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that can ward off infections - 70% of our immune cells lay along our digestive tract.

The gut-brain axis is a two-way network. Research indicates that not only does the brain influence intestinal activities, the gut can also impact the brain, including mood, cognition and mental health.

Serotonin is an important brain neurotransmitter that has been linked to anxiety, depression and impulsivity. It has been estimated that approximately 95% of serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Most of us know that fibre helps keep our digestive system healthy, however research is now showing associations between fibre and lowered risks of heart and circulatory disease, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers. The current recommendation is that adults should consume around 30g of fibre each day and yet most people are only getting around 20g a day from their diet.

Magnesium is a mineral that acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body! It plays a vital role in energy production and contributes to psychological function, a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, metabolism, electrolyte balance, bone health, teeth health, nervous system function, muscle function and protein synthesis. Guess you could say it’s a real overachiever.

Surveys exploring diets in Europe have shown that most people are getting less than the recommended magnesium, so every can of Dalston’s Prebiotic Soda includes 60g - 15% of your daily recommended intake.

Zinc is considered essential for the function of the immune system and immune response. It contributes to normal DNA synthesis, replication and damage repair, as well as growth and development. Every can of Dalston’s Prebiotic Soda includes 15% of your daily recommended intake of Zinc.

Yes, but in a good way. Soluble fibre impacts mouth feel or the ‘thickness’ of a drink, and also has a slightly sweet taste. Fun fact, we actually started using soluble fibre in our Dalston’s Ginger Beer many moons ago specifically for its mouthfeel and sweetness.

As for Zinc and Magnesium, they’re both commonly used in food & drink in the form of mineral salts which taste (surprise, surprise) salty. This means that our chefs have had to carefully balance the Zinc and Magnesium in Dalston’s Prebiotic Soda to get the flavour just right. The result? Chef-made fizz that’s top of the pops - great tasting and it still packs a big health kick.