Nourishing Your Gut with Wao

In the intricate biological system that is our human body, the gut’s role extends far beyond digestion. It is a complex and diverse ecosystem, made up of trillions of microbes. It influences everything from immune function to mental well-being. As we work towards optimal wellness, the gut microbiome is increasingly coming into the spotlight.

Eating a wide range of plants provides different prebiotics that feed these diverse microbes in the gut microbiome. Different plants contain different prebiotics, so consuming a variety of plant-based foods helps support a more diverse and resilient gut microbiome. Plants are high in fiber and low in sugar, which is the preferred food source for beneficial gut bacteria. Consuming a diverse array of plant-based foods ensures you get a good balance of soluble and insoluble fiber to nourish gut microbes. Many plants are also rich in polyphenols and other phytochemicals that have been shown to selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Clostridia and Bifidobacterium. These compounds can modify the gut microbiome composition in a positive way. It is recommended that we eat at least 30 different plant-based foods per week to support a healthy and diverse gut microbiome, which is linked to better overall health and functioning. Wão packs 17 of these into your daily morning drink alone. Many of Wão’s ingredients have been scientifically observed to also have standalone beneficial gut properties (for further details on supporting scientific papers, see https://drinkwao.com/whats-in-wao).

 

Ceremonial cacao

Wão’s core ingredient, Ceremonial cacao, is a fermented food. Fermentation helps break down and remove some anti-nutrients, making its nutrients more bioavailable for absorption in the gut and leading to better nutrient utilization. Live probiotics also result from the fermentation process. On top of that ceremonial cacao is rich in magnesium, which plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including processes that support gut health. The antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals in ceremonial cacao have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce gut inflammation. The compounds in ceremonial cacao may selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium which can help promote a diverse and resilient gut microbiome. Cacao is minimally processed in its ceremonial form, retaining more of its natural nutrients and compounds that can nourish the gut.

 

Beetroot

Wão is packed full of beetroot, giving it its distinctive pinky-purple colour. Beetroot, is rich in fiber, which is essential for promoting digestive health and regularity, adding bulk to stools and feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Beetroot contains betalains, which are pigments with anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various gut-related conditions, so the anti-inflammatory effects of beetroot may also help reduce gut inflammation. The nitrates in beetroot can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the gut, which may support overall gut function and health. Beetroot has been shown to have antibacterial effects that can help prevent the growth of harmful gut bacteria like E. coli and Pseudomonas. This can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. The glutamine in beetroot may help protect and maintain the gut lining, which is important for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

 

Bulgarian rose

The anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and gut-supportive compounds found in Bulgarian rose make it a potentially beneficial ingredient for promoting overall gut health. The vitamins and nutrients in Bulgarian rose, including vitamins A, C, D, E and B3, may help strengthen and regenerate the gut lining, which is important for proper nutrient absorption and overall digestive function. Bulgarian rose is a natural detoxifier and the compounds in Bulgarian rose appear to have beneficial effects on gut function and digestion. Bulgarian rose contains also polyphenols and other antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.

 

Lion’s Mane

Lion's mane is rich in beta-glucan fiber, which acts as a prebiotic to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. The unique polysaccharides and antioxidant polyphenols in lion's mane have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce gut inflammation. Lion's mane may help protect the gut lining and prevent damage from inflammatory triggers or pathogens like H. pylori. The compounds in lion's mane, including hericenones and erinacines, may promote healthy nerve function and communication within the gut. This can improve gut-brain axis signalling.

 

Cardamom

Cardamom contains compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory effects. The aromatic compounds in cardamom may have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent the growth of harmful gut bacteria. Cardamom is a rich source of fiber, which acts as a prebiotic and is essential for promoting regular bowel movements and feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Some evidence suggests cardamom may have a diuretic effect, helping to remove excess water and toxins from the body, which can improve overall gut function. The antioxidants in cardamom may help protect the gut lining for proper nutrient absorption to support healthy digestion.

 

Rosehip

Rosehip contains pectin, a type of prebiotic fiber that helps feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. The polyphenols and other antioxidants in rosehip have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce gut inflammation. Rosehip contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin E and magnesium that can help strengthen the gut lining and support overall digestive function. Some evidence suggests rosehips may have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent the growth of harmful gut bacteria.

 

Reishi

Research shows that Reishi works to tighten up the intestinal lining and improve intestinal permeability, which are key to healing leaky gut syndrome. Similarly to lion's mane, reishi can also help you guard against ulcers brought on by H.pylori bacteria. The high antioxidant count in Reishi can also help fight inflammation, boost immunity, and keep your digestive tract running smoothly.

 

Maca

Maca is beneficial for gut health due to its high fiber content, which is essential for overall gut health, healthy digestion, and regularity. Additionally, maca compounds have been found to improve resistance to fatigue by regulating the intestinal flora, increasing beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia, and decreasing harmful bacteria. This regulation of gut microbiota can lead to enhanced energy metabolism, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and the breakdown of amino acid metabolism, which can help alleviate exercise-induced fatigue.

 

Jamaica pepper

Jamaica pepper has traditionally been used to ease stomach ache, indigestion, constipation, and other digestive issues. It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. The plant chemicals found in Jamaica pepper have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the gut and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, Jamaica pepper is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the gut from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

 

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is beneficial for gut health due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect against conditions such as leaky gut. It has been used traditionally to improve digestion and alleviate symptoms such as bloating, gas and indigestion. Additionally, certain compounds found in nutmeg have been shown to have a healing effect on stomach ulcers in some animal studies. Nutmeg's antibacterial properties can also help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for overall gut health. Nutmeg's antioxidant properties can also help protect the gut from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

 

Ceylon Cinnamon

Preliminary evidence suggests that Ceylon cinnamon has anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging properties, all of which support the optimal environment for good gut bacteria to thrive while suppressing the growth of bad bacteria. This effect appears to be adaptogenic, meaning the bioactive chemicals in cinnamon adjust to the body's specific needs. Ceylon cinnamon has been studied for its potential benefits for digestion, with some research suggesting that it may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, cinnamon is believed to help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which can improve digestion and nutrient absorption. It also has antimicrobial properties, which can help combat harmful bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Studies suggest that Ceylon cinnamon may help reduce bloating and gas, common symptoms of digestive disorders.

 

Turmeric

Turmeric is beneficial for gut health due to its active compound, curcumin, which has been traditionally used in herbal medicines for conditions such as poor digestion, abdominal pain, and distension. Research suggests that curcumin may help prevent cancerous cells from developing in the colon, and it has been found to exert beneficial effects in experimental colitis by mediating inflammatory processes, making it potentially useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical studies have shown improvement in symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome patients after taking turmeric tablets, and it is also being studied for its potential therapeutic role in familial adenomatous polyposis, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, and other digestive problems. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties, ability to neutralize free radicals, and potential to fight infections and reduce inflammation make it a promising natural remedy for digestive disorders.

 

Ginger

Ginger is beneficial for gut health due to its ability to activate digestive enzymes in the gut, which helps optimal break down of food and promote healthy digestion. It has been used for centuries as an ancient remedy for ailments such as bloating, nausea, pain, inflammation, and more, and is considered an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant. Ginger's natural component, gingerol, encourages efficient digestion and benefits gastrointestinal motility rate, relieving nausea by encouraging stomach emptying and cutting down on fermentation in the gut, which relieves bloating and gas. Additionally, ginger has antioxidants that help manage free radicals, which can damage cells when they are numerous. It may also have anti-cancer, disease-preventative and antidiabetic effects, and has been shown to improve glucose tolerance, lower serum glucose, lower cholesterol, and lower triacylglycerol levels in animal studies.

 

Black pepper

Black pepper is beneficial for gut health due to its ability to regulate hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which aids in the efficient digestion of food and prevents gastritis in the gastrointestinal tract. It also stimulates the release of enzymes in the pancreas and intestines that help digest fat and carbohydrates, promoting proper stomach function and potentially preventing diarrhea. Additionally, black pepper's active compound, piperine, has been found to have potent antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cell damage and inflammation in the gut. Furthermore, piperine has been shown to boost the absorption of certain nutrients and beneficial compounds, which can improve overall digestive health.

 

Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is beneficial for gut health due to its active compound, capsaicin, which has several effects that promote a healthy digestive system. It stimulates the nerves in the stomach that produce digestive fluids, which helps with digestion. Research shows that capsaicin may help prevent the most common type of stomach ulcers, which are caused by the H. pylori bacteria. Capsaicin is supposed to have antimicrobial features, which may help control the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, leaving room for the helpful ones. Cayenne pepper also benefits digestion by encouraging saliva production. Saliva works to break down food and begin the process of digestion, making food easier to digest. Cayenne pepper inhibits acid production naturally, which can help counteract acid reflux and upset stomachs.