It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the health lingo out there. At Daily Habit we try to keep it simple. Here are the words and terms that we regularly use, and what they mean.
Gut-Health | The overall health and function of your digestive system, especially the balance of bacteria and other microbes in your gut. Good gut health supports digestion, immunity, mood, and more. |
Microbiome | The trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that live in and on your body, especially in your gut. A diverse microbiome is linked to better health and resilience. |
Polyphenol | Natural compounds found in plant foods that act as antioxidants and feed beneficial gut bacteria. They help reduce inflammation and support overall wellbeing. |
Postbiotic | The beneficial compounds produced when gut microbes break down fibre and other food. These include short-chain fatty acids that help lower inflammation and support gut barrier health. |
Prebiotic | Types of fibre and plant compounds that feed the good bacteria in your gut. Found in all plant foods. |
Probiotic | Live bacteria that can benefit your gut when consumed in the right amounts. Found in fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut. |
Supplements | A product (like a pill, powder, or liquid) designed to provide nutrients such as vitamins, minerals or herbs. Ideally used to address specific deficiencies, not as a replacement for whole food. |
Ultra Processed Foods | Highly processed, factory-made foods with little to no whole food ingredients. Typically contain additives, preservatives and emulsifiers that can harm gut health and spike blood sugar. |
Whole Foods | Foods that are minimally processed and close to their natural form—like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. They’re rich in fibre, nutrients and plant compounds that support overall health. |