Dedicating the past 15 years to gut microbiome research, Pernille has a deep understanding of the relationship between gut function and the rest of the body, and the important role our gut plays in our overall health.
The extensive research and knowledge she has gained have fuelled her passion and commitment to educating others about the importance of gut health in addressing the root cause of common health issues. Pernille has guided her patients from skin problems, fatigue, bloating and mind fog to building a healthy gut and a wellbeing foundation, including a strong immune system and beautiful, glowing skin.
Essential to this journey, has been the development of the The Gut Cø range, which Pernille has carefully crafted.
The Gut Cø range is designed to support digestion, boost immune function, and promote overall well-being. With a commitment to sourcing only high-quality, high-potency, sustainable and clinically-proven bio-available ingredients that are FODMAP-approved and free from artificial fillers, binders, and preservatives, the Gut Co range offers an accessible and effective way for all to support their gut and holistic health.
We are delighted to introduce The Gut Cø range to our Sunlighten clients to support you on your wellness journey, and optimise the health benefits to be enjoyed by using our infrared saunas.
We had the pleasure of chatting with Pernille recently and wanted to share her inspiring story, extensive knowledge and expertise on the power of gut health and the incredible benefits it can offer.
What inspired the creation of The Gut Cø?
My inspiration for creating The Gut Cø was to provide individuals with access to effective and high-quality gut supplements that were previously hard to find on the market.
I was practicing in the Sydney CBD and had a number of patients who were highly stressed, lacking sleep and adequate nutrient intake. As a result, their systems were compromised, resulting in fatigue, mind fog, restless sleep and many gut-related issues.
I had been researching the importance of gut health and knew I needed a high-quality supplement to support gut health.
There was a lack of high-quality gut supplements on the market, so to address this, I began creating my own customised formulations for my clients, which proved effective. This motivated me to manufacture two of my most successful blends, FEED and REPAIR, and make them available to a wider audience through The Gut Cø .
In recent years, the importance of gut health, and the gut-brain axis, has been more widely understood and recognised…
- What do you believe has triggered this realisation?
I believe this has been triggered by two things; firstly, the immense amount of research that has come out on gut health which has led to greater awareness amongst the media and healthcare workers. But I also think people are increasingly suffering from more obvious gut symptoms such as bloating and indigestion, and when they dig deeper they realise that these gut problems may also be the cause of their skin, fatigue and immune problems.
- How can we apply this knowledge to our own wellbeing journey?
To me, everything begins in the gut, so taking small steps towards caring for the gut by feeding the good bacteria the food that they need to grow. This food is a type of fibre called prebiotics, and we as humans cannot digest it, but the beneficial bacteria use it as food to grow and multiply. Having a diverse and large number of beneficial bacteria is like having an army of good doers taking care of your gut lining, your immune system and helping to break down the food you eat effectively so you can absorb more of the vitamins and minerals from your food (think more energy, better mood and less fatigue). When you absorb better, you provide more nutrients for the body, which can use this for generating energy, producing hormones, and all that’s needed for a healthy body
- Where do you believe we may see new discoveries and learnings in the future relating to gut healing?
I believe we will use fecal transplants more in the future for all kinds of ailments and implement
protocols for treating obesity, autoimmune diseases and mental disorders through treating the gut.
In your opinion, what healthy habits do you believe are essential for everyone to adopt?
- Starting your day: Try to get up at the same time every day and get light into your eyes as soon as you can for the circadian rhythm to work in your favour.
- Diet and exercise: move every day and eat a balanced diet. Eat wholefoods and avoid processed foods
- Movement: Pilates, Yoga, Strength training…Personally, I do all of the above,. I am 50 now, so I don’t do anything too strenuous like HIIT, but I do something every day, even if it is only a walk
- Connectivity with friends: Yes!
- Hydration: 2 litres minimum/day. I add some apple cider vinegar to one glass of water once a day or some lemon.
- Supplementation: I take FEED and REPAIR for my gut, immune and skin health. Personally, I struggle with Zinc supplementation, so I made sure to add 12g of Zinc from a food source into REPAIR and I can take this on an empty stomach with no problems. I know it also gives me the vitamins and minerals plus other ingredients for gut lining health, increasing the beneficial bacteria and collagen, plus superfoods for glowing skin.
- In addition to this, I have always taken activated B vitamins, plus iodine and selenium for my energy levels and thyroid function (my thyroid needs some extra care). So I created MULTI-TASKER, which contains all of the above plus three adaptogens to support stress and energy. I love that it contains Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, my two favourite herbs. Finally, I take CLEANSE in my protein after my gym session as I really struggle to get enough protein in my diet, and CLEANSE helps me with energy and keeping my liver working well for me. If I want to detox after a period of suboptimal health (or health choices), I take CLEANSE twice a day for 1-2 weeks, and I feel like a new person again
During your 15 years of research and studies, what was a fact that surprised you the most?
That 50% of Australians experience some unpleasant gut symptoms such as bloating, gas, and constipation, and around 82% of Australians don't get enough fibre.
What do you recommend to offset the stresses of modern living?
Managing stress is really important and is easier said than done. I always tell people to find their chill factor, this doesn’t always have to be meditation or yoga as these things don’t work for everyone. Personally, I relax the most when I am cooking alone in the kitchen with the music turned up really loud.
You began The Gut Co with the launch of FEED and REPAIR. Why were these two products chosen?
FEED and REPAIR are about feeding, nourishing and repairing the gut. After seeing so many patients doing their own research on pre and probiotics and self-prescribing all sorts of products and ultimately ending up with worse issues than they started with, I developed these two products that are gentle enough for most people and the lifestyle we lead today.
FEED is a pre and probiotic supplement that is Vegan and FODMAP friendly. It is designed to improve the microbiome, bone strength, immunity, reduce acne, IBS and diarrhoea.It is also a great skin, nail and hair supplement.
REPAIR is all about healing the gut. With food source vitamins and minerals such as Zinc from Guava leaf to promote skin, hair and nail health along with an absorbable collagen for that added anti-aging benefit. REPAIR is also a Vegan and FODMAP friendly supplement.
FEED and REPAIR were designed to be taken together, and this is the main way most people choose to take them. Shaken in water, they have a lovely berry flavour that shines through from the REPAIR.
You have since expanded your product range after the launch of FEED and REPAIR. Can you tell us about the other products in your range?
CLEANSE was my answer to a palatable green powder while avoiding all synthetic ingredients. It is a unique blend of organic greens and mushrooms to aid in liver and kidney detox, flatulence and indigestion and to support a normal stress response. I suggest taking the CLEANSE supplement mixed with some cold coconut water as a great addition to your detox protocol post infrared sauna session.
Our PROTEIN range is also an excellent inclusion to maintain a healthy gut state in a busy lifestyle. Combining grass fed whey and collagen, our protein range ensures you are getting all the amino acids the body needs. This formulation not only aids in building and maintaining healthy muscles but by containing three types of collagen from bovine, it also assists with recovery, weight management, skin, joint and bone health. It is also a great supplement for more mature bodies who need extra support.
The latest additions to The Gut Cø range are three TGA approved capsule supplements:
- MULTITASKER: A powerful 4-in-1 multi-vitamin that I am confident will give most people an instant energy boost. It includes activated B vitamins for energy support, iodine from kelp to support healthy thyroid function, and a combination of other adaptogens to support a healthy stress response, hair and nail health, and a strong immune function.
- SLEEP: A melatonin free formulation aiding falling and staying asleep, reducing anxiety and restlessness, relieving headaches, and assisting with night sweat, particularly in menopausal women who experience this during the night. Magnesium is also included in SLEEP as I believe that most of the population do not get enough magnesium and it has been shown to support healthy sleeping habits.
- ENZYMES: Designed to support the digestion of food, the absorption of nutrients, while reducing inflammation and the symptoms of bloating. It is intended to be taken with food and is great for those meals that might be harder on the digestive system, but not necessarily with every meal.
What advice can you give for taking The Gut Cø?
Taking care of your gut health should be a daily ritual, and our powders are the perfect addition to your self-care routine. For example, many of our customers enjoy adding our FEED powder to their morning coffee or smoothie or mixing both FEED and REPAIR in coconut water or a smoothie for a delicious and nourishing start to the day. Others look forward to REPAIR as a mocktail in the afternoon, mixing the powder with sparkling water and lime for a refreshing treat (This is delicious).
Could you share your insights on how the health of our gut is linked to the quality of our sleep?
There is a bidirectional relationship between the gut and the brain, and research has shown that when your microbiome is out of balance, this can have an impact on your sleep. For example, serotonin is mainly made in the gut, and because it is involved in the sleep cycle, reduced production of this hormone by the gut will have an impact on sleep.
Is good gut health the key to aging well?
I believe so because I believe gut health is the foundation of all health. When your gut is healthy you assimilate the maximum nutrients from the food you eat, meaning you will receive the nutrients needed to stay healthy and young.
What do you think sets your gut products apart from other gut health supplements on the market?
Our unwavering commitment to scientific research. We meticulously select each ingredient based on its proven benefits for gut health, and we only use clinically tested dosages that have been shown to produce results. Additionally, our tablets are TGA approved, which means they have undergone rigorous testing and research before being launched, ensuring their safety and effectiveness.
In your opinion, what are some common misconceptions people have about gut health products?
One common misconception people have about gut health products is that they work instantly. While certain products, such as enzymes for bloating, may offer immediate relief, most gut health products require a period of 4-8 weeks of consistent use before noticeable results are achieved.
How do you balance your gut health needs with other lifestyle factors, such as work or social commitments?
I am not strict with my diet, and I enjoy a glass of wine at times, but I always try to balance it out by taking my powders, sticking to my exercise routine, and never going too extreme in one direction, which makes me feel nourished but also ensures I am not depriving myself, which can lead to cravings.
What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning to explore gut health and is unsure of where to start?
Go slowly. Your gut may need time to adjust to the fibre, collagen, prebiotics, and probiotics you are introducing.
We are delighted that you have a Sunlighten mPulse sauna in your home wellness sanctuary. Can you please share with us:
- How you have integrated Sunlighten into your wellness routine?
I try to spend 20-30 minutes in the infrared sauna 3-4 times a week. It is a wonderful way to wind down and the kids know not to disturb me when I am in the sauna
- What experience or benefits do you value the most?
Reduced muscle soreness, quicker recovery from exercise, and that deep relaxation it helps me achieve.
- What are the hints and tips to integrate the Gut Cø with infrared sauna use?
I find taking CLEANSE alongside the infrared saunas really helps with the detox pathways, enhancing the detoxification and the overall outcome. I feel the two really complement each other in boosting detoxification and with that all the great benefits.
- Do you use your sauna time for habit stacking such as breathwork?
I do. I do some breath work when I am in my infrared sauna, and I also try to do some posture work and mobility, which was prescribed by my chiropractor.
