The survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by the UK's No.1 top selling brand of friendly bacteria supplements, found most of us only feel in good health 42% of the time. That's the equivalent of only 152 days a year.
The rest of our time is spent with various ailments such as colds, poor sleep, stress and digestive issues.
In fact, during Christmas time and the wider winter months, 31% of us constantly feel run down with colds, coughs and sore throats.
Overlooked secret to improved immunity and overall wellbeing
The solution to much of our suffering lies in improving our gut health. Just one reason why is because up to 70% of the immune system resides in our gut.
Dr Kate Steed, gut microbiologist at Optibac explains what this means for us:
“Our study learned 31% of people are totally unaware of the link between good gut health and our immune system, and that's something we're on a mission to change.
"You have 40 trillion microbes in your gut which form an inner army that help protect against bad bacteria and other pathogens invading your immune system. The healthier the gut, the stronger the army.
“This is just one example of how gut health goes far beyond solving more than digestive issues; in fact, scientific research shows nearly every health condition seen today is associated with the gut microbiome.
"So whether you're sick of feeling sick, suffer from low mental health or you're done letting digestive issues impact your life, supporting gut health with friendly bacteria could help you feel brighter and improve your overall wellbeing.”
When it comes to beating cold and flu season, the nation has tried all sorts of solutions from home remedies to over-the-counter medicines:
More than a quarter (27%) had tried eating more fruit and vegetables
19% had gargled with salt water
1 in 10 had tried drinking ginger tea for congestion
Over a quarter (26%) turn to Vitamin D
19% put their trust in a hearty chicken soup to deal with colds
Other home remedies cited by us Brits for tackling colds included eating more garlic, elderberry syrup and simply resting as much as possible. However, just 8% of the nation had thought to try taking probiotics as a means of defence against colds, though.
Dr Kate explained the science behind staying one step ahead this cold and flu season:
“There are lots of ways we try to combat and limit seasonal bugs, but unfortunately some of these remedies fail to support the gut which houses so many of our immune cells. What really stood out to me in the survey as a positive is that over 1 in 4 people took Vitamin D supplements to fend off colds.
"This is promising as the NHS recommends we all supplement with Vitamin D over winter. However, it's important to remember the small intestine is the primary site for absorption of this vitamin! Therefore, taking care of your gut health with friendly bacteria encourages efficient absorption of nutrients from food, along with any minerals and vitamins you're taking in supplement form.”
Nation seeks immune system boost
With so few days spent feeling good, it's no surprise 72% of us are interested in boosting our immune system, so we can live life to the fullest (60%), to be in good health for the family (44%) and because they have simply had enough of catching coughs and colds (26%).
Trusted friendly bacteria to help you feel your best
Optibac Probiotics is the UK & Ireland's No.1 bestselling and most recommended brand of friendly bacteria supplements.
Using only the world's most carefully researched strains of friendly bacteria, the brand has been pioneering probiotics for 20 years by prioritising gold-standard science and natural ingredients.
Optibac Gut Health Gummies have been formulated especially to support daily gut and immune health. An easy 5-in-1 supplement containing: Friendly bacteria, your daily intake of Vitamin D3 & Zinc to maintain immunity, Calcium to support digestion and prebiotic FOS fibres which increase natural gut bacteria. Contains the highly researched probiotic strain, Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2, scientifically studied in hundreds of people in gold-standard trials and shown to reach the gut alive.
Gut Health Gummies are vegan, gluten-free and naturally delicious; their sweetness comes from real fruit purees with absolutely no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives or colourings. Finally, not only are they good for you, they're good for the planet. Housed in a home-compostable inner pouch made from plant fibres and recyclable carton, Gut Health Gummies is 100% plastic free.
RRP: £12.99 for 30 gummies
Optibac Every Day EXTRA is an advanced digestive supplement, proven to reach the gut alive and support digestive health. Expertly formulated with high-quality probiotic strains, shown to support digestion, occasional bloating, immune and skin health, energy levels and wellbeing. Each easy-to-take capsule contains four extensively researched strains of friendly bacteria which naturally occur in the digestive tract. The probiotic strain combination includes Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®, clinically trialled and shown to support immune health and overall digestion. The prebiotic-free formula is particularly suitable for those looking for a probiotic without added prebiotics, such as IBS sufferers.
RRP: £25.99 for 30 capsules
Due to the extra stresses and strains that festive eating can place on our bodies Optibac products are, in our opinion, a genuine "must buy" product for the Christmas season and beyond. Also, they'll make excellent and very healthy Christmas stocking fillers for the people you care about and also fantastic self-gifting items, too!