The terms, “gut health,” and “microbiome,” are words usually reserved for medical dialogue, but a healthy gut is essential for optimal physical and mental performance. Both of which are still necessary in and outside of the office. At Agora, we know a thing or two about employee wellness in the workplace–especially when it comes to office snacks and drinks. With that, we’re proud to offer gut-boosting options, like Wild Wonder and Happy Mountain Kombucha to keep office-goers feeling good throughout the day.
Why Is Gut Health Important?
To appreciate the unique benefits of these beverages, it’s important to understand why gut health is essential for optimal wellness. The human gut naturally harbors a diverse microbiota (i.e. live organisms that play a vital role in human health) made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. These organisms are important because they contribute to immune function, mood regulation, and digestion.
Probiotics, a type of live microorganism, are “good” bacteria that are naturally found in the body. They are often called “helpful” bacteria because they contribute to keeping the gut functioning well. Probiotics are thought to work by helping to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut.They are found naturally in food made by fermentation such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria that provide health benefits when consumed, prebiotics themselves are not alive. Instead, they act as food for the probiotics, promoting their growth and activity in the digestive system. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that serve as a source of nourishment for beneficial bacteria living in our gut. When we consume prebiotics, they remain undigested in the small intestine until they reach the colon, where they are fermented by the gut microbiota.This fermentation process has several positive effects on our health including: weight management, improved immune function, digestive regularity, reduced inflammation, metabolic health, and mental health.
At Agora, we believe employee wellness is a paramount aspect of fostering a productive and positive work environment. We’ve done our research and found that a healthy body and mind starts with the gut! That’s why we’ve partnered with Wild Wonder and Happy Mountain Kombucha. But what are these drinks?
Wild Wonder: A Prebiotic+Probiotic Powerhouse
Wild Wonder is a delicious, fruity, flavorful, soda-like drink that is one of those things that tastes too good to be true! Featured on SharkTank, this Woman-Owned beverage brand is pioneering the brilliant combination of the two crucial components for a healthy gut— live probiotics and prebiotic fiber. Made with USDA Organic fruit and herbs, it’s vegan, low sugar, and only 35 calories per can. Within all of Wild Wonder’s beverages, you’ll find heat-resistant probiotics, consisting of bacteria that can effectively reach the gut, thereby aiding in the diversification of the gut microbiota. Their prebiotics are designed to feed these beneficial microbes, which may aid in their growth resulting in a positive impact on your health.
Each one of Wild Wonder’s five flavors include 1 billion probiotics and 4 grams of fiber in every can. This beverage is jam-packed with flavor and bubbly superfood powers, making it a great choice to enhance any boring workday!
Happy Mountain Kombucha: A Probiotic-Rich Refreshment On-Tap 
If you’ve yet to see this drink all over your local grocery store walls, and you don’t know what kombucha is, it’s now time to have your mind blown. Open your eyes to an antioxidant-rich bubbly fermented tea that’s lightly sweetened, slightly sour, and full of benefits. Kombucha is made by combining yeast, sugar, and tea then leaving it to ferment for a week. After this process is complete, the result is a probiotic tea composed of healthy bacteria and antioxidants. Happy Mountain Kombucha contains properties that not only may improve your gut, but also offer additional benefits. A few things people may not know about kombucha is that it has been found to support liver function, as it helps the body’s natural detoxification processes, and it can maintain joint health, as it contains glucosamine which is a compound that alleviates joint pain and promotes flexibility.
Of course, the main benefit Kombucha is known for is its good source of probiotics. It’s ability to improve the balance of gut bacteria, aiding in digestion and supporting overall gastrointestinal health is what makes it just as enticing as its yummy taste.What sets Happy Mountain Kombucha apart though is their Kombucha on tap, which we offer through our Agora Keg Services. Kombucha on tap provides the freshest bubbly pour with an unpasteurized probiotic boost straight to your cup. With a diverse array of flavors, from classic to adventurous, Happy Mountain’s Kombucha provides both taste and a probiotic lift, promoting the healthiest guts around. It’s rich antioxidant content and potential to aid liver detoxification further bolster your wellness at work.
Advocating For Healthy Refreshments In The Workplace
Incorporating healthy office snacks and drinks in the workplace can be a game-changer for any office or community building. By offering a wide array of nutritious options, companies can encourage their employees to make mindful choices that positively impact their overall well-being. This simple yet impactful initiative can contribute to reducing stress levels, enhancing immunity, and fostering a more cohesive team. With gut-friendly refreshments like Wild Wonder and Happy Mountain Kombucha, we’re making moves towards better workplace wellness. So, the next time you’re in need of refreshment at work, go with your gut and reach for one that supports your microbiome.
Cheers!
