Tackling the cost of gut health

Republished with permission from Kellogg’s.

New research reveals Aussies are feeling the pinch when it comes to health

As a health-conscious nation, it’s no surprise 55% of Aussies believe maintaining good gut health is a priority for overall wellness, but many think they need to spend big to achieve it.

Research commissioned by Kellogg reveals that despite treats and takeaway food being only a click away, close to a quarter (22%) of Aussies have eaten healthier in the last six months. However, despite all the best intentions, spending habits indicate they aren’t always making the most informed purchases for their gut health.

With 71% unaware that products that support their gut health can cost as little as $5, it’s unsurprising 1 in 10 Aussies are feeling the pinch by spending up to $100 on a single product to improve their gut health.

Over a third (38%) of Aussies believe probiotic supplements improve gut health, followed by, kombucha (29%), Kimchi (18%) and inner health powders (17%). Surprisingly, prebiotics are not included in the top list of foods that promote gut health.

Pantry staples including wholegrains, fibre-rich cereals, canned beans and legumes continue to be one of the most effective ways to support good gut health due to their levels of prebiotic fibres. Prebiotic fibres feed the good bacteria in the gut to help provide positive benefits and prevent bad bacteria from growing and overtaking. More than half of Aussies (52%) are unaware that fibre breakfast cereals and whole grains contain prebiotic fibre.

Maintaining gut health may be a priority for Aussies yet, 8 out of 10 do not understand the importance of prebiotics for good gut health, and over a third (35%) admit to not consuming any prebiotics because they don’t believe they need them.

Commenting on the research and spending habits of Australians, Founder of financial education company SkilledSmart, Paridhi Jain says “Finding cheaper alternatives to products that you’re currently using can be a great way to save money, without actually having to ‘give up’ anything! When looking at gut health products, some powders can run up to $70 per product, however there is always opportunity to find more cost-effective solutions which could result in substantial savings. It’s important to think about what that saved money could really mean for you and your family. We know that even a few hundred dollars invested yearly, can grow to a substantial amount (even tens of thousands of dollars) over the long-term.”

Commenting on the gut health choices of Australians, Accredited Practicing Dietitian Geraldine Georgeou says, “Aussies tend to get caught up in purchasing the latest and greatest product and more often than not these products are touted as having probiotics. What Aussies forget is that it’s prebiotics that makes one of the biggest differences.

“Prebiotic fibre continues to be one of the most effective ways to maintain good gut health. Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has shown that a lack of dietary fibre and whole grains, is the leading dietary risk for chronic disease, however, 43% of Australians don’t consume enough prebiotic fibres because they don’t know what they are and where to get them in their food”

From cost to variety, accessibility and taste, good gut health doesn’t need to come with a price tag. It’s now more than ever easier to live healthily and take good care of your gut by eating foods rich in fibre that don’t cost the earth.

For more information and helpful tools to ensure you’re getting enough daily fibre, visit: www.kellogg.com.au/fibrefit

Research methodology

Research was conducted by Pure Profile on behalf of Kellogg’s Australia on a nationwide sample of over 1,000 Australians.

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