Emma Sutherland Digestive Health Interview

Emma Sutherland Digestive Health Interview

Too many Australians have got the belly-ache, don't realise their gut behaviours aren't normal and are unaware that there are quick and simple remedies, with new research showing that excessive gas, bloating, indigestion and a range of tummy troubles are plaguing the nation.

The Newspoll survey, commissioned by Australian health and wellbeing experts Wagner, revealed that 42% of those polled experience excessive gas at least once a month, if not more, with one in ten (11%) saying they suffer from it every day or most days. The online poll also showed that 19% suffer from bloating at least once a week, 16% from indigestion and 13% stomach pain. Around a quarter (24%) of Aussies also said they experience constipation at least once a month and 22% listed diarrhoea as a monthly tummy troubler.

"Around 70 per cent of the immune system is located in the gut, so having a correctly functioning digestive system plays a fundamental role in supporting your overall health and wellbeing," said Dr. Robyn Cosford, Integrative GP and Conjoint Lecturer at the University of Newcastle.
"Complaints such as bloating, gas and constipation are often traced back to poor diet, stress or antibiotics, all of which can lead to the depletion of 'good' bacteria in the gut, essential for optimal digestion. Ensuring the balance of 'good' to 'bad' bacteria is correct is the key to good health and can be addressed at least partially through simple changes to diet and appropriate probiotic supplementation," she said.

Emma Sutherland, Sydney-based naturopath and health writer, said that while traces of probiotics are found in foods such as yoghurt, milk, miso and some soy beverages, they are more effectively administered via dietary supplements.
"Probiotics are live microorganisms, often called 'good' bacteria, that are found naturally in healthy digestive systems. In the past, a major barrier to taking probiotics has been the need to keep them refrigerated to maintain their viability. However, fortunately this is no longer the case," said Ms Sutherland.

New shelf-stable Probiotica P3 is an all-natural probiotic supplement that requires no refrigeration and contains a blend of three scientifically researched acid-resistant strains of good bacteria that are guaranteed to be alive on consumption. It can help alleviate gas and bloating, reduce toxins and carcinogens formed in the gastrointestinal tract, prevent and treat Candida, and speed up recovery from diarrhoea or constipation.

"Probiotics have many important functions in our bodies. Not only do they improve digestion, they decrease the risk of allergies, asthma and food intolerances and can help reduce the severity of colds and flu. Everyone would benefit from taking a comprehensive probiotic on a daily basis," said Ms Sutherland.

Emma Sutherland's Top 10 Tips for Optimal Digestion
Avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol as these alter the pH of the digestive system making it more acidic. This aggravates the intestinal lining and leads to inflammation.
Reduce or avoid gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, oats and barley. Gluten intolerance is common and leads to bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.
Check to see if you have a dairy intolerance by avoiding all dairy for two weeks and then re-introduce it and observe if your digestive symptoms flare.
Eat in pleasant surroundings, sitting down and enjoying your food. If you are rushed, walking or distracted, you are more likely to eat quickly without chewing properly and will not be able to respond when your body sends its signal to stop because you are full.
Chew your food! Chewing helps to break down your food, easing the burden on your lower digestive system.
Take a good quality probiotic supplement, such as Probiotica P3, daily to aid digestion and help support the immune system. Wagner's Probiotica P3 requires no refrigeration and is formulated with specially-cultured acid resistant strains of good bacteria designed to improve your intestinal flora balance and control the levels of harmful bacteria in the gut. It also contains only natural ingredients and is free from dairy, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant.
Try not to drink large volumes of fluid at least half an hour before a meal. This dilutes the enzymes in your stomach and makes them less able to break down foods and absorb nutrients.
Take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice in a small amount of water before a meal to improve your digestion.
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, even if you only manage two minutes each day. When we are stressed, our brain shuts down our digestive system and we no longer produce enough enzymes. This results in reduced absorption of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Eat fresh organic food as it contains more nutritional value and no pesticides, additives or preservatives.

Probiotics Under the Microscope

Probiotics are live microorganisms - often called 'good' or 'friendly' bacteria - that are found naturally in healthy digestive systems where they assist with digestion, immunity and general wellbeing.
Probiotica P3 contains a blend of three scientifically researched acid-resistant strains of good bacteria which are the same as those found naturally in the human digestive tract.
Traces of probiotics are found in some foods (yoghurt, milk, miso and some juices and soy beverages) but are best administered via dietary supplements in capsule, tablet or powder form to ensure they survive the stomach acid and arrive where they are in needed in the intestine in sufficient numbers to make a difference.
70% of the body's immune system is located in the gut and probiotics improve the immune function. Research has shown probiotics increase T cells, which fight viruses.
Probiotics are responsible for making many essential vitamins such as vitamin B12, vitamin K and vitamin B6 and vitamin B9.
Probiotics are particularly beneficial for people on, or who have recently used, antibiotics (which kill good bacteria in the gut along with unfriendly bacteria), as they help repopulate the gut with the good bacteria.
Taking probiotics has been shown to improve gut health and so, can be beneficial for those who experience digestive issues, gas and bloating.
Previously, most probiotics needed to be refrigerated to retain their active ingredients but Probiotica P3 is shelf-stable and clinically proven to remain effective four years after manufacture, unlike alternative refrigerated products currently on the market.
50% of the US market is now shelf-stable and this segment is growing as consumers move away from refrigerated probiotics to the more convenient shelf-stable alternative.

In short, taking probiotics can help:
Support immune function and improve resistance to infection
Improve digestion and reduce gas
Counter adverse effects of antibiotics
Help in the prevention and treatment of vaginal Candida
Assist in the treatment of constipation and diarrhoea
Reduce cholesterol absorption
Help with skin health (eg eczema)
Reduce risk of allergies, asthma & food intolerances

Interview with Emma Sutherland

Question: Can you talk about why we can become bloated?

Emma Sutherland: Problems such as bloating and gas can often be traced back to poor diet, stress, illness, food intolerances and taking antibiotics which all affect the balance of good to bad bacteria in the gut. Ensuring this balance is restored is the key and can often be achieved simply with probiotics. A recent Newspoll survey of more than 1200 Australians aged 18-64, conducted by Australian health and wellbeing company Wagner, showed 19% of people suffer from bloating at least once a week! Most people don't even realise how bloated they actually are until it improves.

Question: What are your top tips for ensuring good digestive health?

Emma Sutherland: Take a good quality probiotic supplement, such as Probiotica P3, daily to aid digestion and help support the immune system. Wagner's Probiotica P3 requires no refrigeration and is formulated with specially-cultured acid resistant strains of good bacteria designed to improve your intestinal flora balance and control the levels of harmful bacteria in the gut. It also contains only natural ingredients and is free from dairy, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant.

Avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol as these alter the pH of the digestive system making it more acidic. This aggravates the intestinal lining and leads to inflammation.

Reduce or avoid gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, oats and barley. Gluten intolerance is common and leads to bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

Check to see if you have a dairy intolerance by avoiding all dairy for two weeks and then re-introduce it and observe if your digestive symptoms flare.

Eat in pleasant surroundings, sitting down and enjoying your food. If you are rushed, walking or distracted, you are more likely to eat quickly without chewing properly and will not be able to respond when your body sends its signal to stop because you are full.

Chew your food! Chewing helps to break down your food, easing the burden on your lower digestive system.


Question: What are the common effects of poor digestive health?

Emma Sutherland: Most commonly, your ability to absorb the nutrients found in your food is reduced and you may begin to suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This can lead to all kinds of health issues and most people will feel tired and sluggish as the first symptoms. Poor digestive health also affects your immune system as well as increasing your chances of developing food intolerances.


Question: What is a probiotic and how can it help Australians?

Emma Sutherland: Probiotics are live microorganisms - often called 'good' or 'friendly' bacteria - that are found naturally in healthy digestive systems where they assist with digestion, immunity and general wellbeing.


Question: What are the main food rules you live by?

Emma Sutherland: Avoid gluten, eat organic food, ensure I have as many colours on my plate as possible, be calm and present while eating to ensure my digestion can absorb all those amazing energy giving nutrients.

Question: Can you share a typical days food menu, for yourself?

Emma Sutherland: Breakfast - fresh fruit with sheep's milk yoghurt, hemp seeds and Acai berries
Lunch - salad of rocket, red capsicum, avocado, grated carrot and beetroot, cucumber, boiled eggs and pepitas
Dinner - slow cooked lamb with root vegetables or in summer steamed fish with sweet potato & ginger mash with some broccolini
Snacks - homemade protein balls, popcorn, pink lady apples or rice cakes with avocado


Question: Why do you suggest organic products?

Emma Sutherland: Organic products are better for your health as they don't contain pesticides and harmful chemicals and also better for the environment. I simply feel so much more energetic since eating organic food and using organic body care products.

Organic products are better for your health as they don't contain pesticides and harmful chemicals and also better for the environment. I simply feel so much more energetic since eating organic food and using organic body care products.


Question: Do you recommend Australians keep a food diary to see where they are going wrong?

Emma Sutherland: Absolutely - this is an effective and easy tool that anyone can do at home. What I also suggest is that you also note your symptoms and energy levels as well. Then you will start to see patterns such as "every time I eat a sandwich I feel bloated and tired afterwards" - then you can test this by avoiding sandwiches and having salads/soups etc and see if your bloating disappears. People always underestimate the portions they are actually eating so a food diary will blatantly show you where you are slipping up.


Question: Tell us about the new show, Eat Yourself Sexy.

Emma Sutherland: Eat Yourself Sexy encourages women to take control of their lives and get back on the road to loving themselves. The series follows the stories of eight women, one per episode, as they transform their bodies and find the power to reignite their relationships and their bodies. From the salad dodging housewife whose libido has gone missing to the frantic mum-of-three who never has time for herself, the series helps Australian women lose weight, regain health and reclaim their long-lost mojo once and for all.


Question: Is it possible to eat yourself sexy? If so, how?

Emma Sutherland: Definitely - by improving your health you will start to feel more confident and hence sexier. When a woman is healthy, her hair shines, her skin glows and she exudes a beautiful energy! Lose the focus on weight loss and aim to improve your internal health. Then your weight will naturally come down as your body rebalances.


Interview by Brooke Hunter