Our Approach

Hello Gut's mission is simple: make your gut as healthy as possible. We see this as a three-part approach- symptom management, restoration, and prevention.

1. Symptoms

Most people with gut issues have frequent symptoms and need daily relief from those symptoms. These symptom flare-ups most often come in the form of diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas. These flare ups are often due to a lack of daily gut health maintenance aimed at fixing the root cause of the gut issues. Unfortunately, most people don't prioritize gut health until they start experiencing the symptoms, which at that point can take a while to reverse the damage that has been done. Hello Gut wasn't made to be a "solve all of my gut symptoms overnight" supplement (unfortunately that doesn't exist, though we wish it did). The gut is complex and the best way to help alleviate your gut symptoms is by fortifying your gut daily with nutrients aimed at giving you the healthiest gut possible.

Think about it this way, you can't expect to walk into the gym one time, hop on the treadmill for 30 minutes and have the body of your dreams. Same goes for gut health. You need to be giving your gut daily nutrients that can help to build it up, especially today when most foods in the modern American diet are bad for your gut health. So yes, Hello Gut is loaded with ingredient designed to alleviate many symptoms discussed above and make you feel much better rather quickly, but Hello Gut does its job the best when taken daily. This helps the gut to be strengthened which helps to keep the symptoms from ever flaring up in the first place.

2. Restoration

There are many different reasons as to why your gut can get messed up. Common causes are insufficient hydration, fiber and movement. A healthy bowel movement requires adequate water absorption into the gut with the help of soluble fiber. And even though the movement of the gut is autonomous, physical movement of the whole body as part of an active lifestyle certainly helps. In addition, a healthy gut flora consists of trillions of living organisms that create quite a bit of internal movement on their own. Their livelihood depends on the right nutrition. Without the right nutrition, beneficial microbes might die off while bad ones might prosper and imbalance the gut’s overall health. Another common root cause is leaky gut. Leaky gut is where your intestinal lining, which is supposed to act as a barrier to the rest of your body, becomes compromised and allows toxins, bacteria and food particles to enter your bloodstream. This causes the body to respond with inflammation and cause many different health issues. Our Hello Gut blend is packed with specific ingredients that work in harmony to fix the common root causes listed above as well as many more not listed here.

3. Prevention

Yes, it is important to treat the symptoms in the moment of flare up, and yes, it is important to help fix the underlying root causes as to why someone is having the symptoms, but it is also crucial to give your gut what it needs daily to help prevent it from getting messed up again. That is why we have put our product in a delicious easy-to-drink format jam-packed with gut loving ingredients that you can enjoy every day. The key to gut health, just like with anything in life, is consistency. We firmly believe that we have used the best science-backed ingredients to create the best daily all-in-one gut support blend that will help to defend against poor gut health symptoms, promote gut healing, and prevent your gut from getting messed up moving forward.

 

Our promise

Healing your gut is a very complex undertaking and nobody can or should promise that they can 100% heal your gut and neither will we. What we do promise is that our formula uses the most science-backed research and gives your gut what we believe to be the best fighting chance at healing and improving daily. All of our ingredients were carefully selected, tested, and formulated to work in harmony to heal the gut holistically. Below we will go through each of our ingredients and break down their benefits and purposes. We have cited all sources at the bottom and implore you to dig deeper into the research for yourself.

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is our primary fiber source and is the number one doctor recommended form of fiber for people with gut issues, especially IBS (all stages). Psyllium husk comes from the shrub-like herb Plantago Ovata and has been used for centuries in Asia for promoting gut health as well as supporting many other health benefits. Here below we will touch on the primary reasons we utilize psyllium husk as our primary fiber source:

Prebiotic Soluble Fiber

Psyllium Husk is a very clean soluble fiber source. Basically there are two forms of fiber: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber (which is what psyllium husk is) draws adequate amounts of water into the gut for a smooth transition of feces, whereas insoluble fiber acts more like a harsh broom scraping the interlining of the gut to remove sticky metabolic waste. While both are important cleansing agents of the body, only soluble fiber does so without the risk of irritating the intestinal barrier.

The soluble fiber in our psyllium husk is also considered to be prebiotic fiber because it contains oligosaccharides (a type of carbohydrate chain) that many members of the gut microbiome consume and utilize as an energy source. Essentially acting as food for beneficial microbes, the prebiotics contribute an energetic value to the microbes it nurtures, thereby offering valuable health benefits to you, the host.

In addition, when microbes are properly nourished by prebiotics, they will properly synthesize essential vitamins which then seep back into the host’s bloodstream and can significantly improve the host's overall health. 

It’s important to understand that food products with soluble fiber have a caloric value, usually listed as 2 calories per gram, but since microbes consume the prebiotics for energy, those carb calories do not trigger an insulin response, cannot be broken down into blood sugar, and will not convert to fat (1).

Alleviates Constipation

As previously mentioned, psyllium husk is a soluble fiber, meaning it has a high water-holding capacity and can help to make your stool soft and fluffy. Studies show psyllium husk is great for people struggling with constipation as it helps to hydrate their stool and allows their stool to flow easier through their digestive system. In addition the slick gel-like substance formed by psyllium husk can have a soothing effect on the intestinal lining, reducing irritation and inflammation associated with constipation. Insoluble fiber, which many sources of fiber are, does not do this nearly as effectively and can actually be an irritant on your gut lining (1).

Alleviates Diarrhea 

It might seem contradictory that a compound addressing constipation can also defend against diarrhea but psyllium husk does both incredibly well. Studies show that psyllium husk can help defend against diarrhea as it acts as a bulking agent and consumes excess water in your intestines and stool, which help create a more formed and firm stool (2). Psyllium's ability to defend against both constipation and diarrhea is why we refer to it as the “Ultimate Regulator”.

 

Non to mild fermentability

Psyllium is very low in fermentability, which is good. Whenever the fiber in your intestines ferments it produces gas which can cause bloating, and may worsen IBS symptoms. Unlike many fiber sources, psyllium husk has a very low fermentability thanks to its unparalleled gel-forming capabilities (2).

 

Additional Benefits

Our team of scientists chose psyllium husk as our primary fiber source of soluble fiber for all the reasons listed above but also because of its extensive list of additional health benefits. For instance, due to its bulk forming properties, psyllium husk does an incredible job with giving the sense of satiety (feeling full). Satiety can assist in sustainable weight loss as well as lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure. Psyllium husk can also buffer the uptake of sugar from food and assist in the management of diabetes. And lastly, non-encapsulated forms of soluble fiber (like Hello Gut) will also absorb excess stomach acids and lower the risk of GERD-related disorders.This is an additional reason why the 8 grams of soluble fiber in Hello Gut is so important compared to the 4g of other leading fiber supplements. It's important to point out that encapsulated psyllium husk products in pill form typically pass through the stomach and are released in the gut therefore having no beneficial impact on satiety.

Probiotic Blend

The average human gut contains 10 trillion microbes on average. A healthy “gut ecosystem" relies on a balance of different strains of bacteria, fungi and even yeast. The term Probiotics refers to micro-living organisms that promote health. A healthy gut flora requires the presence and replenishment of probiotic strains through diet and other lifestyle choices (micro-exposure to “dirt” – gardening, petting an animal etc).  Probiotics help to fight off bad bacteria, digest food, create vitamins, and prevent bad bacteria you have consumed from entering your blood. Consuming the right probiotics is critical to having a holistically healthy gut microbiome. 

In Hello Gut, we use probiotic strains with the highest prevalence of evidence-based research towards colon and digestive health. We also selected the strain and amount of probiotics that minimize the risk of additional side effects like gas and bloating.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most commonly used probiotic strains in the marketplace. Clinical trials have shown that lactobacillus acidophilus can help prevent and significantly reduce diarrhea duration and prevalence (3). Lactobacillus acidophilus has also shown promising results helping to relieve bloating amongst other gut issues.

Bifidobacterium Longum

Bifidobacterium longum inhibits inflammation and improves the intestinal barrier function. Clinical studies have also shown that bifidobacterium longum can decrease severity and improve the quality of life of patients with IBS (4).Scientific research also confirmed that bifidobacterium Longum effectively protects the inner gut lining against inflammation and as such is a trusted therapeutics in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (5). 

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is not only another staple in minimizing IBS symptoms of which include, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating, it is also effectively being used in the prevention and treatment of upper GI issues including the first area of digestion in the mouth, which includes cavity prevention. This is another reason why our product comes in the form of a drinkable rather than encapsulated solution. Lactobacillus rhamnosus fortifies the flora of the gums and supports the ability of immune-supporting saliva (6).

 

 

Jerusalem Artichoke Inulin

In order to ensure survival of the added probiotic strains to our product we add just the right amount of inulin. It is important to be strategic with your inulin intake as it can be an irritant to consumers with IBS if not taken at appropriate amounts. That is why we strategically use only 2 grams which is enough to capitalize on the benefits without the potential negative side effects. In addition to the psyllium husk, we utilize inulin from the Jerusalem Artichoke plant as our primary prebiotic source. Prebiotics are crucial to take as they act as a fertilizer to help keep the healthy probiotics in your gut alive. Inulin has proven to be incredibly effective against constipation by helping to regulate bowel peristalsis and colonic transit (7). Inulin also increases magnesium absorption and is crucial to optimizing how your body absorbs the magnesium malate in our blend.

 

 

L- Glutamine

L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the human body. Amino acids are essentially the building blocks of protein. L-glutamine is very commonly supplemented by doctors and dietitians to help repair a broken down gut lining. Studies have shown that L-glutamine can help support the gut microbiome, gut mucosal wall integrity, and modulating gut inflammatory responses (8). Many L-glutamine supplements offer very small dosages and therefore make it difficult to prove their effectiveness. The amount we use is 3 grams which coincide with studies that show higher amounts of L-Glutamine supplementation have a greater impact on healing the gut. Since L-Glutamine is an amino acid, it will also add 3 grams of valuable muscle building nutrients towards the proteins in your diet.

Magnesium Malate

Magnesium is regarded by many experts as one of the most important minerals your body needs. It has many responsibilities including assisting in the absorption of critical micronutrients like Vitamin D to lessen inflammatory responses and improve immune function. There are many forms of magnesium that are available in the marketplace, but we strategically chose to use magnesium malate for its additional gut-supporting benefits. Firstly, magnesium malate acts as a muscle relaxant which also eases intestinal contractions, but unlike most other forms of magnesium, magnesium malate is very gentle on your digestive system. Secondly, magnesium malate is also not used as a laxative and therefore is tolerated by IBS-D (diarrhea) sufferers. Lastly, magnesium malate is superior in its bioavailability due to its chelated form. This means magnesium malate is easily absorbed into your digestive tract and can assist with gut tissue repair (9).

Lemon Balm Extract

Lemon balm is a native European herb that gets its name from its lemon-like taste and smell. It has been used for centuries as a way to relieve bloating and gas. Most pediatricians, midwives and mothers know it is a key ingredient in a commonly used mixture called “gripe water”, which has been used for centuries to alleviate bloating and gas in colicky infants. Studies show that Lemon balm’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can play a significant role in easing IBS symptoms (10).

Fennel Seed extract

Fennel seed is another ingredient in our anti-bloat blend that has also been used in the previously mentioned “gripe water”. The primary cause of gas and bloating is from the fermentation of fiber in your gut. Research shows the antimicrobial properties in fennel seeds may help to keep your gut pathogens at bay and help to reduce gas and bloating. In a recent study, fennel seed also showed to dramatically help with cramp reduction and smoothing of gut peristalsis (11).

Marshmallow Root

Oftentimes a symptom of poor gut health stems from improper breakdown of food intake. Indigestion in the upper GI area can present itself in the form of acid reflux (which many people experience as heartburn). Acid reflux (heartburn) happens when the backflow of stomach acids move up into the esophagus which causes a burning sensation. Acid reflux can stem from an excess of acid build up or a lack thereof. The sphincter muscle in the esophagus relies on PH signals of the stomach to properly tighten up after food intake. Too little acid secretion can therefore wrongfully signal the gatekeeper to stay open allowing acids and food churn to travel back up.

Marshmallow root has been a popular remedy used for centuries to treat people with acid reflux. The medicinal extract creates a soft paste that coats your esophagus and stomach and helps to protect it from the acid. Additionally, marshmallow root has anti-inflammatory properties which help to soothe your esophagus, allowing it to relax and heal naturally (12).

Monk Fruit

Monk fruit, also known as "luo han guo," is a small round fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has been treasured for centuries due to its remarkable sweetness and numerous health benefits. Our product utilizes the natural sweetness of monk fruit as a healthy alternative to traditional sugar.

The standout health benefits of monk fruit are it contains zero sugar, is low-calorie, and has a low glycemic value. Unlike regular sugar, monk fruit does not trigger an insulin response, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to manage their blood sugar and weight. 

What to expect

We recommend that users that aren't used to taking high fiber and probiotic gut supplements start off with taking a half serving (8 grams with 7 fluid ounces of water) for two weeks and increase to a full serving (15.9g with 14 fluid ounces of water) after the two weeks, or whenever they feel their stomach is ready and acclimated. Some stomaches acclimate very quickly and can handle a full serving from the beginning, for others it might take a little while to feel like their stomaches are ready.

In the beginning of using it is common for users to get increased gas. Gas is in this case is a good thing. Gas is the metabolic byproduct of the microbes in your stomach "eating". Anytime living cultures in your gut enjoy indigestible parts of your diet - aka prebiotic fuel - they will emit gas. If the micro flora is depleted, for example after a prolonged low fiber diet, it takes a while to rebuild microbial balance in the gut. Gas is usually the first sign that things are happening again in the gut. Once the gut is back in balance the gas should level back out. When taking increased fiber it is very important that you drink adequate amount of water through out the day. Insufficient water intake can lead to cramping of the stomach in the upper GI. The key success with Hello Gut is start with a half serving and work your way up, take it daily, drink plenty of water throughout the day. 

Citations

1. Jalanka, J., Major, G., Murray, K., Singh, G., Nowak, A., Kurtz, C., Silos-Santiago, I., Johnston, J. M., de Vos, W. M., & Spiller, R. (2019). The Effect of Psyllium Husk on Intestinal Microbiota in Constipated Patients and Healthy Controls. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(2), 433. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20020433
2.  El-Salhy, M., Ystad, S. O., Mazzawi, T., & Gundersen, D. (2017). Dietary fiber in irritable bowel syndrome (Review). International journal of molecular medicine, 40(3), 607–613. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2017.3072
3.  María Remes Troche, J., Coss Adame, E., Ángel Valdovinos Díaz, M., Gómez Escudero, O., Eugenia Icaza Chávez, M., Antonio Chávez-Barrera, J., Zárate Mondragón, F., Antonio Ruíz Velarde Velasco, J., Rafael Aceves Tavares, G., Antonio Lira Pedrín, M., Cerda Contreras, E., Carmona Sánchez, R. I., Guerra López, H., & Solana Ortiz, R. (2020). Lactobacillus acidophilus LB: a useful pharmabiotic for the treatment of digestive disorders. Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology, 13, 1756284820971201. https://doi.org/10.1177/1756284820971201
4.  Sabaté, J. M., & Iglicki, F. (2022). Effect of Bifidobacterium longum 35624 on disease severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. World journal of gastroenterology, 28(7), 732–744. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v28.i7.732
5. Yao, S., Zhao, Z., Wang, W., & Liu, X. (2021). Bifidobacterium Longum: Protection against Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Journal of immunology research, 2021, 8030297. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8030297
6. Pedersen, N., Andersen, N. N., Végh, Z., Jensen, L., Ankersen, D. V., Felding, M., Simonsen, M. H., Burisch, J., & Munkholm, P. (2014). Ehealth: low FODMAP diet vs Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in irritable bowel syndrome. World journal of gastroenterology, 20(43), 16215–16226. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v20.i43.16215
7. Bărboi, O. B., Ciortescu, I., Chirilă, I., Anton, C., & Drug, V. (2020). Effect of inulin in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (Review). Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 20(6), 185. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2020.9315
8. Kim, M. H., & Kim, H. (2017). The Roles of Glutamine in the Intestine and Its Implication in Intestinal Diseases. International journal of molecular sciences, 18(5), 1051. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18051051
9. Uysal, N., Kizildag, S., Yuce, Z., Guvendi, G., Kandis, S., Koc, B., Karakilic, A., Camsari, U. M., & Ates, M. (2019). Timeline (Bioavailability) of Magnesium Compounds in Hours: Which Magnesium Compound Works Best?. Biological trace element research, 187(1), 128–136. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-018-1351-9
10. Dolatabadi, F., Abdolghaffari, A. H., Farzaei, M. H., Baeeri, M., Ziarani, F. S., Eslami, M., Abdollahi, M., & Rahimi, R. (2018). The Protective Effect of Melissa officinalis L. in Visceral Hypersensitivity in Rat Using 2 Models of Acid-induced Colitis and Stress-induced Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Possible Role of Nitric Oxide Pathway. Journal of neurogastroenterology and motility, 24(3), 490–501. https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm17035
11. Portincasa, P., Bonfrate, L., de Bari, O., Lembo, A., & Ballou, S. (2017). Irritable bowel syndrome and diet. Gastroenterology report, 5(1), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.1093/gastro/gow047
12. Zaghlool, S. S., Abo-Seif, A. A., Rabeh, M. A., Abdelmohsen, U. R., & Messiha, B. A. S. (2019). Gastro-Protective and Anti-Oxidant Potential of Althaea officinalis and Solanum nigrum on Pyloric Ligation/Indomethacin-Induced Ulceration in Rats. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(11), 512. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8110512