As hind-gut fermenters, the digestive system of the horse is large, complex and absolutely vital to their health and wellbeing. The gut is important for so much more than simply digesting their food – though doing that well is pretty important!
The gut also regulates hydration, and is a key part of your horse's defence system. In fact, the gut is the largest part of any mammal's defence, through the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT), a type of lymphatic tissue found in the digestive system, that provides over 70% of the body's whole immunity1,2. Working alongside the GALT is the microbiome – a vast population of bacteria, yeast, protozoa and funghi, working to optimise digestion which, in turn, provides the energy to work, the building blocks for growth and repair, essential nutrients for every organ in the system, and the fuel to maintain condition3.
In short : Healthy digestive system = Strong immunity = Healthy horse
Once we understand where immunity really sits, then we can understand that by supporting digestive health we not only help our horse's get the most from their diet, so maintain a healthy condition, but also support their natural defences. By feeding the microbiome of the hind-gut with a live probiotic yeast, we feed an effective digestibility enhancer, so supporting their overall digestive health. The word 'probiotic' means 'for life' and remembering that is a simple way to remember how important they are to health. To get the best from your probiotic supplement ensure it also includes a prebiotic, such as fructo-oligosaccharides. The prebiotics are specialised compounds which effectively feed the probiotic, therefore providing a fuel source for that essential digestibility enhancement.
While pre and probiotics are particularly recognised for the stability and health of the microbiota in the hind-gut, higher up the digestive tract, particularly in the stomach, we need a more complex approach. Probiotics are still important, as microbiota also exist in the stomach4, but in that acidic environment we also need to ensure pH is maintained and stomach walls soothed. We know that the modern equine life of stabling, performance work and regular travel can challenge gastric health. Associated acid splash and compromised stomach mucosa health is now widely recognised as commonly occurring in race and performance horses. For these horses we would recommend maintaining a healthy digestive tract with NAF GastriAid. GastriAid contains herbal support for gut health from psyllium, to condition the stomach and gut lining, together with the balancing properties of sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, and pre and probiotics for total microbiome health.
By supporting the whole digestive tract, GastriAid is the ideal choice to maintain immune function and condition in all horses and ponies, maintaining health and vitality throughout the busy summer and autumn seasons.
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