At some point in almost everyone’s life, they’ll experience gut symptoms. Whether that’s constipation, loose stools, bloating, acid reflux or excessive gas, digestive issues are incredibly common. Nutrition plays a fundamental role in how our gut functions. Not just from the perspective of providing energy and nutrients, but by supporting the way our digestive system works every day. 

Trillions of microorganisms inside our large intestine, including bacteria, fungi and viruses collectively known as the gut microbiome. Like any healthy community, diversity is important. The greater the variety of beneficial microbes we have, the more resilient our gut tends to be. 

One of the gut microbiome’s most important jobs is fermenting certain types of dietary fibre to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds help maintain the gut lining, support normal immune function, help regulate inflammation and form part of the communication network between the gut and the brain. The microbiome also communicates with hormones involved in appetite regulation, including ghrelin and leptin, via the gut-brain axis — a two-way communication network between the digestive system and the brain involving the nervous system, immune system and hormones. 

When the balance of bacteria within the gut changes, we refer to this as gut dysbiosis. Some bacteria may become more abundant than we’d like, while beneficial bacteria can decline. This imbalance has been associated with symptoms such as bloating, excess gas, changes in bowel habits and digestive discomfort. Many factors can contribute, including prolonged stress, a diet low in fibre, limited dietary diversity, certain medications such as antibiotics, and illness. 

Why fibre comes first 

When it comes to supporting gut health, fibre is always my starting point. 

Fibre is the main fuel source for many of our beneficial gut bacteria. Foods such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains provide different types

of fibre, with certain soluble fibres acting as prebiotics that feed these beneficial microbes. 

One of the biggest mistakes people make is increasing their fibre intake too quickly. A sudden jump can actually worsen bloating and discomfort. Instead, fibre consumed more gradually — through small, consistent increases — can help make a meaningful difference over time. 

Why prebiotics deserve more attention 

Prebiotics are nondigestible fibres that feed our existing beneficial bacteria, helping them grow and thrive naturally. 

Green kiwi fruit is one of the few whole foods to receive an authorised EFSA health claim for contributing to the maintenance of normal bowel function when consumed regularly. Actazin, a clinically studied New Zealand green kiwi fruit powder used in Rheal’s Gut Feel blend, has been evaluated in clinical trials at a daily dose of just 600 mg. Research has shown improvements in weekly bowel movements, stool consistency, bloating and abdominal discomfort, without causing excessive gas or cramping. 

Because the fibre within kiwi fruit ferments gradually throughout the colon, it is often well tolerated while continuing to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Gut Feel also contains pectin-rich fibres alongside Aquamin, a mineral-rich seaweed-derived calcium source that contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes. 

Probiotics: Why strain matters 

Not all probiotics do the same job. 

Different bacterial strains have different functions within the gut. Some have been researched for supporting digestive health, others for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, immune function or women’s health. This is why choosing a probiotic shouldn’t simply come down to the number of strains listed on the label. 

Another challenge is survival. The stomach is an extremely acidic environment, meaning many probiotic bacteria don’t survive the journey to the intestine. 

Rheal’s Pre + Probiotic Capsules contain LactoSpore (Heyndrickxia coagulans MTCC 5856), a clinically studied spore-forming probiotic. Because it exists naturally as a protective spore, it is able to survive stomach acid before reaching the intestine. The formula also contains Livaux, a New Zealand gold kiwi whole fruit powder that provides naturally occurring fibres, vitamins and polyphenols to help nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Clinical research has shown that Livaux can help support increased levels of

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, one of the most abundant beneficial bacteria found within a healthy gut microbiome. 

Gut health isn’t built overnight, and there isn’t one food or supplement that will build gut health. It comes from consistently supporting the environment inside your gut through the foods you eat every day. 

Prioritising fibre, eating a diverse range of plant foods, staying hydrated and introducing evidence-based prebiotics and probiotics where appropriate can all help create the conditions for a healthier microbiome over time. 

While medications can play an important role in managing symptoms, nutrition is one of the few tools we have that can actively support the gut itself. The more we understand about the microbiome, the clearer it becomes that looking after it isn’t just about improving digestion — it’s an investment in long-term health. 

For more information, visit rhealsuperfoods.com