Here at The Journey we are pretty obsessed with the exciting research that continues to emerge on the power of the gut for long term health. Particularly for our purposes: hormonal health, immune and brain development in small growing people.

Question is: how do you approach this in an easy and practical (kid friendly) way?

Once again, the science continues to evolve. However, what the current credible research suggests. As of now is you want:

• A ‘healthy’ gut microbiome is composed of a diverse mix of bacteria and no major imbalance. Diversity is good in all ways!
• The best way (ex targeted/clinical administration of specific probiotic strains) to get what you need is via food and the diet. 

We also know is that having a health gut is good for conception and hormonal imbalance. It is particularly important if you’re pregnant. It is the mother who provides the basis for the growth of a baby’s microbiome. This starts in utero and stabilises around 2-3yrs old. So this is important for both parents-to-be and for small people.

We also know that sometimes the good stuff can be hard to get in. Particularly when it comes to a fussy toddler…!

We are all about using research in a practical and realistic way. We also know all too well that time is short (adults) and kids are fussy. So how can we help on both fronts?!!

Gut-Boosting breakfast smoothie:

The benefits of this are:

• Can be made the night before (so quick and easy in the morning)
• The straw and jar set-up is usually appreciated by even the trickiest customers…
• Low sugar, high in nutrients and particularly pre and probiotics for the gut. What do we mean by pre and probiotics? Click here for more. 

Ok – so what’s in it and how do you make it?

Obviously the beauty of a smoothie is that you can put pretty much whatever you like in it. You can also sub out anything you don’t like. However, for our purposes: gut health. Here is what we use:

Prebiotic Fibre: 

Prebiotics are the often forgotten or hidden hero’s of the gut world. Effectively they feed the existing bacteria you have. Click here for more. In this smoothie we include:

• Organic porridge oats (contains beta-glucan fibre)
• Chia seeds (also a great source of protein)
• Banana (Contains insulin)
• Flaxseeds (20-40% soluble fibre/60-80% insoluble fibre)

Probiotics:

The much better known winner in the world of gut health. Many of us associate this with store bought over the counter Probiotic supplements. For now however the jury is still effective how effective these are. We do know however that in food form they can be extremely effective. Click here for more.   In this smoothie we include one of our favourites:

• Organic Kefir (if you want to go diary free you can go with Coconut Kefir)

Other bonus ingredients:

• Blueberries (great source of antioxidant and low in sugar)
• Prunes
• Hemp (great source of plant protein)
• Cinnamon (good for blood sugar regulation)
• Milk of your choice (we use a nut milk)

What do you do next?

Well, we like to keep our recipes relatively simple. This is no exception. Put in the blender and go!

Here is our recipe:

What about the nice jars?

These are pretty key for getting small people interested. They’re also handy and portable if you’re a non-toddler. We like the wide straw (we like to use a metal one) and we avoid plastic (a potential hormone disruptor) so we love these glass ones. You can buy here from Amazon. 

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This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The information on this website has been developed following years of personal research and from referenced and sourced medical research. Before making any changes we strongly recommend you consult a healthcare professional before you begin.

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