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Why should taking care of our gut bacteria be the starting point for maintaining optimal physical and mental health?

 If you’re interested in being physically & mentally well, listen to my Brave New Girls podcast guest this week Louise Macnab, founder of Jerms an advanced 4-in-1 powder delivering. Probiotics, Prebiotics, Digestive Enzymes and Organic Superfoods & Vitamins, targeted at the health of your gut.

Her journey started from a lack of work/life balance as a corporate lawyer. She experienced burnout & chronic stress induced gut issues. Learning that gut bacteria has such a significant impact on our bodies & daily wellbeing she set out to change bacteria’s bad rep & normalise the discussion around our bodily functions- because gut health is health!

Louise helps us understand that the ’germs’ in our guts influence everything from mood and hormones to metabolism and beyond. And when we create a thriving, healthy eco-system of bacteria in our bodies we feel so much better. She shows us how to build long term health and happiness by focusing on prevention rather than cure, and by adopting a "gut microbiome first" approach.

Louise Macnab’s journey from high-flying corporate lawyer to wellness entrepreneur is a testament to the power of transformation. For nearly a decade, she dedicated herself to her legal career, pushing herself to the limits in demanding roles across Brussels, New York, and London. But beneath the professional success, her health was deteriorating. She began experiencing symptoms like brain fog, chronic fatigue, and severe digestive issues. Traditional doctors found nothing wrong, but Louise knew something wasn’t right. This led her to a functional health practitioner who diagnosed her with leaky gut and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), conditions often linked to chronic stress and poor gut health.

This diagnosis was a turning point. Louise discovered that her gut bacteria—those tiny organisms living in her digestive system—were playing a huge role in her overall health, far beyond digestion. The gut is often referred to as the "second brain" because of its role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood and emotions. Moreover, a vast majority of the body’s immune system resides in the gut, meaning the health of your gut bacteria has a profound effect on your ability to fight off illness and stay energized.

Determined to heal, Louise embarked on a holistic approach to wellness. She adjusted her diet, introduced probiotics and prebiotics, and incorporated stress-reducing practices like yoga and meditation. But something was still missing. She found herself taking multiple supplements each day, a time-consuming and expensive habit that wasn't sustainable. That’s when the idea for Jerms was born.

Jerms, Louise’s innovative 4-in-1 gut health powder, addresses the gut microbiome from multiple angles. It combines probiotics (good bacteria), prebiotics (which feed the good bacteria), digestive enzymes (to help break down and absorb nutrients), and organic superfoods and vitamins (to target inflammation and boost overall health). By nurturing the gut environment holistically, Jerms creates a thriving ecosystem of good bacteria, which in turn enhances everything from mood and mental clarity to energy and immune strength.

Louise is passionate about making gut health accessible to everyone. "So many of us suffer in silence from digestive issues, brain fog, or low energy without realizing the root cause could be our gut," she explains. With Jerms, she aims to make gut health mainstream, removing the stigma around discussing digestion and bacteria. Her mission is to help people take proactive steps to care for their gut, believing that prevention is far more effective than cure.

Her brand is more than just a supplement—it's a movement. Louise regularly hosts educational workshops, partners with health professionals, and shares practical advice on gut health through Jerms’ blog and social media platforms. For her, empowering people with the knowledge and tools to improve their gut health is key to fostering long-term wellbeing.

The next time you feel fatigued, stressed, or out of balance, remember Louise’s journey and her advice: start with your gut. By nurturing the good bacteria inside, you can unlock a healthier, happier, and more resilient version of yourself.

Here are 10 actionable steps Louise suggests for improving gut health:

1. Add Prebiotics – Include foods like onions, garlic, and asparagus in your diet to feed good bacteria.

2. Incorporate Probiotics – Yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut help replenish beneficial bacteria.

3. Reduce Stress – Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress, which negatively affects the gut.

4. Limit Processed Foods – Cut back on processed sugars and foods, as they feed harmful bacteria in your gut.

5. Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

6. Get Quality Sleep – Sleep supports your body's ability to repair and maintain gut balance.

7. Exercise Regularly – Regular movement increases the diversity of gut bacteria.

8. Use Digestive Enzymes – Help your body break down and absorb nutrients efficiently.

9. Take Organic Supplements – Include supplements like Jerms for a 4-in-1 gut health boost.

10. Embrace Whole Foods – Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to create a gut-friendly environment.

By implementing these steps, you can create long-term health and happiness through a "gut-first" approach.

Taking care of our gut bacteria is the cornerstone of optimal health, both physically and mentally. Louise Macnab's Jerms company champions a holistic approach to gut health with its 4-in-1 powder, supporting overall wellbeing by nurturing good bacteria.

PS. Listen HERE to LOUISE’s journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help well beings on a well planet.