Yourgut+ is was developed in May 2020 for the UK national Covid-19 dietary intervention study. It contains a unique blend of 5 different  butyrate producing lactobacillus probiotic bacteria. Each capsule has 10 times the natural bacteria as a large live yogurt supported by an effective prebiotic soluble fibre inulin.

It aims to help restore a healthy gut flora with an emphasis on safety.  It uses a patented slow release capsule which help avoid digestion of the bacteria by the stomach and help the bacteria research the large bowel where they are most needed.

The probiotic formula provides a natural, non-dairy source, live product.
Each capsule provides a minimum of 5 billion bacteria from 5 different strains.
Soluble fibre inulin is included a natural prebiotic to enhance colony formation in the large bowel
Patented slow release capsules vegetarian capsules

https://foodmatterslive.com/podcast/exploring-how-gut-health-impacts-covid-19-with-professor-robert-thomas/

Gut health, sport and exercise.

Tom Davies, now a professional triathletes and Ironman, was the youngest man to cycle around the World.

Gut health and sport are closely linked, as the health of the gut can affect athletic performance, recovery, and overall well-being. The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota. In fact, there are more genetic materials from bacteria in and on our bodies than from our own cells. Not a surprise then that the microbiome  plays a critical role in digestion, metabolism, muscle recovery, immunity, brain function and mood. Research suggests that a diverse and balanced gut microbiota can enhance nutrient absorption, reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system, and produce beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids.

In the context of sport, gut health can have several benefits, including:

1. Improved nutrient absorption: The gut microbiota helps break down complex carbohydrates, fibre, and proteins. This can lead to better absorption of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are crucial for muscle growth, repair and energy production.
2. Reduced inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection and strenuous exercise but chronic inflammation can impair athletic performance and increase the risk of injuries and illnesses. The gut microbiota can help regulate inflammation by producing anti-inflammatory compounds such as butyrate, lactate, and propionate. By reducing inflammation, athletes  experience less muscle soreness, faster recovery, and improved endurance. For example, a study published in the  Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus fermentum reduced post-exercise muscle damage and inflammation in endurance athletes. Similarly, a study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that a probiotic supplement including Lactobacillus helveticus reduced inflammatory markers in rugby players during a training camp.
3. Enhanced immune function: The gut microbiota plays a critical role in training the immune system to recognise and respond to pathogens. Athletes are often exposed to infectious agents in crowded environments such as gyms, locker rooms, and sports venues. A healthy gut microbiota can help strengthen the immune system, reduce the risk of infections, and speed up recovery from illnesses.
4. Better motivation to train: The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and the central nervous system, which regulates mood, cognition, and behaviour. The gut microbiota can influence the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are involved in mood regulation, stress response, and  sleep quality.  By improving gut health, athletes may experience less anxiety, depression, and fatigue, and more focus, motivation to train and confidence.
5. Optimal body composition: Gut health can also affect body composition, which is a key factor in athletic performance. A balanced gut microbiota can help regulate energy balance by modulating appetite, satiety, and metabolism. Athletes who maintain a healthy weight and body fat percentage may have more strength, speed, and agility, and lower risk of injuries and chronic diseases.

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How can athletes improve their gut health? Here are some tips:

1. Eat a varied and balanced diet: A diverse diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the nutrients and fibers that the gut microbiota needs to thrive. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol, which can disrupt the gut microbiota and promote inflammation.
2. Eat foods with health bacteria: Some foods are naturally rich in probiotic bacteria such as kimchi, kefir and sauerkraut. Try to eat one or more of these every day.
3. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water can help maintain digestive health and prevent constipation, which can lead to bloating, discomfort, and reduced performance. Athletes should aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day, and more if they sweat heavily or exercise in hot conditions.
4. Manage stress: Stress can affect gut health by altering the gut microbiota, increasing inflammation, and impairing immune function. Athletes should practice stress-management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, and prioritise rest and recovery.

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Evidence for the benefits of probiotic supplements in Sport

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential role of probiotics in sport, particularly for enhancing performance, improving motivation to train, reducing fatigue, and promoting recovery.

Studies have shown that athletes have a distinct gut microbiota profile compared to sedentary individuals, with higher levels of bacteria associated with carbohydrate and protein metabolism. However, intense and prolonged exercise can also affect the gut microbiota, leading to an imbalance in microbial diversity and composition. This disruption can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and cramps, which can impair performance and recovery.

Probiotics, particularly lactobacillus, have been shown to help restore gut homeostasis by improving the balance and diversity of the gut microbiota, enhance nutrient absorption, reduce inflammation, and modulate immune function in athletes. In addition, probiotics may also produce metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids that can benefit athletic performance and recovery. Several studies have investigated the effects of probiotics on exercise performance and recovery, with mixed results:

1. Improved endurance: Some studies have suggested that probiotics may enhance endurance performance by improving energy metabolism and reducing fatigue. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that athletes who consumed a probiotic supplement including Lactobacillus acidophilus,  for four weeks had a significant increase in time to exhaustion compared to a placebo group.
2. Improved recovery: Probiotics may also aid in recovery by reducing muscle damage, soreness, and oxidative stress. For example, a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduced muscle soreness and improved muscle function in rugby players following a match. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus casei improved recovery time and immune function in endurance runners following a marathon.

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Bacterial Cultures

Lactobacillus plantarum,

Lactobacillus rhamnosus,

Lactobacillus bulgaricus,

Lactococcus lactis,

Lactobacillus paracasei

Slow release vegetarian capsule:

No added sugars, preservatives, sweeteners or colours, lactose and gluten free. Patented vegetarian capsule made from plant based hypromellose and gellan gum. The inert anti-Caking Agent is magnesium Stearate.

• • • • • Our bodies are full of trillions of healthy probiotic bacteria, which help with digestion and immunity. A poor diet, viral illnesses, antibiotics, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or even simply travelling abroad, can upset the balance between these friendly bacteria and harmful bacteria.

          Abnormal gut bacterial growth can lead to a  bloating, wind, colicky pains and diarrhoea, as well as general symptoms such as fatigue and lack of motivation. There are an increasing number of chronic conditions which are now linked to abnormal bacterial flora such as arthritis, dementia, high cholesterol and osteoporosis. 

          In situations where the natural balance between good and bad bacteria has been upset, a healthy probiotic supplement can help to restore this balance and is recommended in combination with healthy dietary changes

          • The probiotic featured here are produced by two  long-established, reputable UK manufacturer with a high-quality assurance track record completely compliant with EU, UK and USA standards.

            It is also very important that there is evidence behind the blend of probiotics and prebiotics used, to ensure that they are beneficial, as not all probiotics are the same and safety issues need to be observed. Our blends have been carefully selected with safety in mind. They been developed by a panel biological and nutritional scientist with an academic interest in lifestyle and nutrition and was the blend chosen for The UK Covid nutritional intervention Study

            The advanced patented delayed release technology capsule ensures probiotics get to the correct gut area. Yourgutplus+ contains multiple strains of carefully selected healthy bacteria – 10 billion colony forming bacteria per capsule. It has a high safety profile, is made by a trusted UK company with comprehensive GMP certification and reliable use-by dates..

  In the mean time, in summary we know that:

People with poor gut health are more likely to get worse acute covid and then get long covid

• • • • • • • Most people’s gut get adversely effected after covid
            • An intervention with yourgutplus+ and phyto-v improved outcomes after covid
            • People to took probiotics, vitamin D and exercised had a better outcome to the flu jab
              
             There is already evidence that probiotics, vitamin D and exercise can reduce side effects and increase effectiveness of the flu vaccine. The study summarised below, following national ethical approval, commenced in September 2022 and is evaluating the precise role of a combination of a 5 lactobacillus probiotic blend  with vitamin D:

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            Background: Covid-19 is an enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family. The CoV family consists of several species and causes upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections in mammals. Infections in humans range from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Severe respiratory distress is caused by the development of excessive inflammatory pulmonary infiltrates which causes severe respiratory distress, this has been terms a cytokine storm.

            Several factors have been associated with severe and fatal consequences of a covid infection including older age, male gender, obesity, diabetes and co-morbidities. It has previously been shown  that dysbiosis of both gut and lung microbiota also make an individual more susceptible to viral infections and sever respiratory distress [Fanos, Dang Hufnagl, Wang, Mukherjee, Fanos].  In these laboratory and clinical studies poor gut health was linked to immune and inflammatory dysfunction causing both reduced Immunosurveillance and  excess, inappropriate inflammation  [Shen]. Conversely, published research has shown that patients with more severely affected respiratory symptoms often have gut symptoms for many months [Smyke, Wan].

            Ways to increase the ratio of healthy bacteria in the gut include exercise; reducing processed sugar, eating probiotic and prebiotic rich foods such as mushrooms, nuts, artichokes and beans; probiotic bacteria in live yogurt, kimchi and even a  probiotic supplement [Roa, Hempel]. Probiotics are live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host [Doron, Sanders]. A study in the elderly has shown that enhancing the diet with a probiotic supplement could help reduce age related falls in natural killer cell activity [Gill]. A study from Australia gave healthy athletes a prebiotic/probiotics combination or placebo. After one year the probiotic group had less colds and as a consequence had less disruption to their training. Athletes in Australia and across the world now take probiotics regularly to help avoid symptomatic viral infections. Several studies have shown that regular intake of live lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, shortened the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections [ Fujita, Olaimat, Rerksuppaphol, Yeh, Lei, Fanos, Berggren, Dang, Hufnagl, Wang, Olaimat]. In 2011, a Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, concluded that probiotics reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections [Hoa]. The benefits of  a specific blend of lactobacillus probiotics is currently being investigated for patients with covid-19 a UK nutritional intervention study.

            As regards boosting the effectiveness of a vaccination, several studies have suggested exercise around the time of the vaccine and certainly being generally physically active enhances a flu vaccine response [ Schuler, Keylock, Schuler, Edwards]. Likewise a recent systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated  twelve scientifically randomised studies and reported that patients taking , mainly lactobacillus probiotics with prebiotics in supplements form, were found to have higher influenza hemagglutination inhibition antibody titres after vaccination in all A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B strains. They concluded that concomitant prebiotics or probiotics supplementation with influenza vaccination may hold great promise for improving vaccine efficacy [Yeh, Lei].  .

            Better vitamin D status has also been associated with greater seroprotective responses to vaccination following Influenza vaccination [Lee]. Vitamin D deficiency continues to be common across the UK, as recently confirmed in the UK Biobank cohort [Sutherland].

            Several studies have also suggested that exercise around the time of the vaccine enhances a flu vaccine response.