{"title":"Gut health basics","description":"\u003cp\u003eKombucha does a lot, but it can't do everything. These are the boring-but-brilliant basics I'd put next to it: good olive oil, fibre, creatine and proper apple cider vinegar. Nothing faddy.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"honest-toil-high-polyphenol-greek-extra-virgin-olive-oil-500-ml","title":"Honest Toil High-Polyphenol Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500 ml)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE OIL THAT MEANS BUSINESS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Basically Goggins in a bottle. 540 mg\/kg of peppery, grassy gold.”\u003c\/em\u003e - Kev, Functional Drinks Club\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForget the cheap stuff that smells like wet cardboard.  This is \u003cem\u003ereal\u003c\/em\u003e extra virgin olive oil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCold-pressed within 24 hours of harvest, unfiltered, and high in polyphenols (around 540 mg\/kg).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHY YOU'LL LOVE IT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's the olive oil that makes you cough, and that's a compliment. Green, peppery and grassy, with a proper kick at the back of your throat that tells you the polyphenols are in there. One drizzle on a tomato and suddenly you're on a terrace in Greece and the Otley rain is someone else's problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupermarket oil will taste like disappointment afterwards. Sorry about that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE FLAVOUR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreen, peppery, with a proper kick at the back of your throat. It’s alive, vibrant, and good enough to drink off a spoon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrizzle it. Dip it. Finish your meals with it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou’ll taste the Mediterranean sunshine, minus the flight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE STORY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHonest Toil work directly with small Greek farms around Kyparissia. Hand-picked Koroneiki olives, cold-pressed below 27 °C, never blended or filtered. You’re getting single-variety, small-batch, unadulterated gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Koroneiki olives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCold-pressed within 24 hours of harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolyphenol count: ~540 mg\/kg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcidity: 0.2–0.3%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfiltered \u0026amp; unblended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e500 ml dark glass bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Kyparissia, Greece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow Kev uses it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“I have a big glug of this every single day, over veg, on a salad, or straight off a spoon when nobody's looking. I picked this one specifically for its polyphenol count, because that's where the research points. Olive oil is one of my four everyday basics, and I've written up the studies that convinced me, including the PREDIMED trial, on my Cover the Basics page. Have a read and make your own mind up.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Kombucha Kev, Functional Drinks Club\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWant the science?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cover-the-basics\"\u003eHere's why extra virgin olive oil is one of Kev's four everyday basics\u003c\/a\u003e, with the research behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Honest Toil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56779555045760,"sku":"HTOIL-EVOO-500","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/3851\/8547\/files\/honest-toil-high-polyphenol-greek-extra-virgin-olive-oil-500-ml-1214000.webp?v=1791458634"},{"product_id":"pure-creatine-monohydrate-powder","title":"Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Most Researched Supplement on the Planet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreatine monohydrate is one of the most studied supplements in sports science, backed by decades of peer-reviewed research. This is 100% pure creatine monohydrate powder with no fillers, no flavourings, and no compromises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Functional Drinks Club, we stock creatine not as an afterthought, but because it's one of the few supplements Kev actually takes every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Approved Bit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3g of creatine, and it's for adults doing high intensity exercise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreatine has had a serious glow-up. It used to live in giant tubs next to the protein shakers at the back of the gym, and now everyone from your marathon-running auntie to the bloke in accounts is stirring it into their morning brew. One ingredient, unflavoured, and it disappears into water, coffee or a smoothie without a trace. No neon colours, no \"Shredded Beast Mode\" branding, no 14 mystery ingredients. Just creatine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Kev Takes It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"I take creatine every single day. Most days it's 15g, which is way above the standard 3 to 5g, and I built up to it slowly over a couple of months. That's my choice after reading a lot of the research, not a recommendation. Start with the standard dose. I've written up the studies that got me interested, including the 2024 one on creatine and sleep-deprived brains, on my Cover the Basics page.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Kombucha Kev, Functional Drinks Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe standard dose is \u003cstrong\u003e3–5g per day\u003c\/strong\u003e. Mix with water, a functional drink, or your morning coffee. Timing is flexible, consistency matters more than timing. Don't go above the standard dose without speaking to your GP.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have kidney problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication, check with your GP before taking creatine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unflavoured powder | Mixes clean | No grit, no aftertaste\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWant the science?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cover-the-basics\"\u003eHere's why creatine is one of Kev's four everyday basics\u003c\/a\u003e, with the research behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Functional Drinks Club","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58888758198656,"sku":"FDC-CREATINE","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/3851\/8547\/files\/pure-creatine-monohydrate-powder-3620883.webp?v=1791458893"},{"product_id":"happy-gut-super-pre-biotic-blend","title":"Happy Gut Super Pre-Biotic Blend","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMost of Us Are About 10g of Fibre Short. This Closes the Gap.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe UK recommends 30g of fibre a day, and most adults manage about 20g. The Happy Gut Super Pre-Biotic Blend is a simple, high-fibre blend of two natural ingredients: milled British hemp seed and chicory root.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Functional Drinks Club, the basics come first. This is one of the things Kev adds to his routine every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Inside\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMilled Hemp Seed\u003c\/strong\u003e - Around 50% insoluble fibre, plus 14% plant-based protein. Grown regeneratively in Britain, carbon-neutral by nature. This is hemp working the way it was always meant to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChicory Root\u003c\/strong\u003e - 16% soluble fibre in the form of inulin, one of the most studied fibres there is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo preservatives. No anti-caking agents. No flavourings or sweeteners. Just clean, natural fibre that's vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFibre is the Phil Collins of nutrition: not glamorous, deeply underrated, and secretly on every great album. Everyone's banging on about protein while fibre sits in the corner, quietly being the thing most of us are missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the laziest possible fix. One spoon, stirred into porridge, a smoothie or your morning kombucha, and you're 10g closer to the 30g. No sweeteners, no flavourings, no 14-ingredient \"gut glow powder\" that costs more than your car insurance. Two ingredients. Job done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Kev Takes It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"A spoon of this goes in my morning smoothie every day. I started with half a spoon and built up over a couple of weeks, because going from zero to loads of fibre overnight is a rookie error. Fibre's the boring basic almost everyone's short on, me included, and the research on it is some of the most solid there is. I've written up the bits that convinced me on my Cover the Basics page.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Kombucha Kev, Functional Drinks Club\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix one serving into water, a smoothie, porridge or your morning kombucha. It's a daily habit, not a one-off. If you're new to extra fibre, start with half a serving and build up over a couple of weeks, and drink plenty of water with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine milled powder | Unflavoured | Mixes clean | Vegan | Dairy-free | Gluten-free\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWant the science?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cover-the-basics\"\u003eHere's why fibre is one of Kev's four everyday basics\u003c\/a\u003e, with the research behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Functional Drinks Club","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58892608504192,"sku":"FDC-PREBIOTIC","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/3851\/8547\/files\/happy-gut-super-pre-biotic-blend-6593157.webp?v=1788869108"},{"product_id":"loving-foods-organic-apple-cider-vinegar-with-the-mother","title":"Loving Foods Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eProper apple cider vinegar, made by the same Loving Foods crew behind the kombucha in our fridge. Organic, raw, unfiltered and unpasteurised, and bottled with the mother: the cloudy strands you'll spot floating about. That's not a fault. That's the good bit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's one of the four gut health basics I actually use. No pills, no gummies, no shots with a fancy label. Just a splash in water or on your salad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat \"with the mother\" means\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the apples ferment, the cultures build a soft mat in the vinegar. That's the mother. You'll see it as a film, a bit of sediment or stringy bits floating in the bottle. Filtered, pasteurised vinegars have it taken out so they look crystal clear. This one keeps it in. Drink it or leave it at the bottom, your call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAs a drink:\u003c\/strong\u003e a tablespoon in a big glass of water, with a meal. Never neat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn the kitchen:\u003c\/strong\u003e dressings, marinades, quick pickles, or a splash in a stew.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrink it through a straw\u003c\/strong\u003e if you're having it daily, and rinse with water after. It's acidic, so it's no friend to your teeth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e750ml glass bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIngredients: organic apple cider vinegar (4.6% acidity). That's it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertified organic, raw, unfiltered and unpasteurised\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for vegans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFermented in Manchester by Loving Foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore at room temperature. No need for the fridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCounts towards the box deal: mix it with any kombucha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have a stomach condition, are on medication, or are pregnant, check with your GP or pharmacist before having apple cider vinegar every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKev's verdict\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharp, fruity and a bit of a wake-up call. A splash in water with lunch is the easiest habit in the basics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKombucha Kev, Functional Drinks Club\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Loving Foods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60059919155584,"sku":"LOVF-ACV-750","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/3851\/8547\/files\/loving-foods-organic-apple-cider-vinegar-with-the-mother-750ml-4314859.webp?v=1791368827"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/3851\/8547\/collections\/kc-collection--gut-health-basics.webp?v=1791407387","url":"https:\/\/www.kombuchaclub.co.uk\/collections\/gut-health-basics.oembed","provider":"Kombucha Club","version":"1.0","type":"link"}