Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a vital role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. Sarah Brereton reveals how to nurture your microbiota.

Your gut, or digestive system, is home to over 400 species and more than 100 trillion bacteria. These form a delicate, ever-changing balance known as your gut microbiota. Like a fingerprint, each person’s microbiota is unique, made up of hundreds of bacterial strains, including lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Lactobacilli are found throughout the digestive tract, especially in the small intestine, while bifidobacteria are abundant in the large intestine.Friendly bacteria occur naturally in fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, and miso. For higher strength, multi-strain support, Udo’s Choice Microbiotics offer some of the strongest bacterial counts at manufacture, with high levels maintained until expiry. Age-specific blends are available, including formulas suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding – trusted by Irish families for over 20 years.

Udo’s Choice Super 8 Immune provides eight strains of lacto and bifido bacteria, delivering 42 billion  ‘friendly’ bacteria per daily capsule, plus vitamin C to support gut health, immunity, and overall wellbeing. A Gastric Guard Guarantee ensures bacteria survive stomach acid – essential for effective supplementation.

Super 8 Gold contains 102 billion bacteria per daily capsule, with 80% bifido strains, making it ideal for repopulating the large intestine or during times of higher need. It’s considered the gold standard microbiotic in Ireland.

Both blends are suitable for everyday use or at specific times of year to maintain microflora balance. They can also be taken alongside antibiotics – simply allow a two-hour gap before or after.

Find the Udo’s Choice range in the fridge at your local health food store or pharmacy.