Gut check

Welcome back to Wellworthy. Here's what's happening in health and wellness this week:

• An ultramarathoner’s go-to gear

• Expert advice on managing gut health during the holidays

• Apothékary’s new tincture, Simple Modern enters hydration, District Vision’s latest collab, and more

• Plus, we put Mount to Coast’s running shoes to the test

Let’s go!
- Ash Read and Joe Niehaus

Health Stack: Ross Rutherford

Each week, we tap into our network of health and fitness experts to offer personal insights and recommendations.

This week: Ross Rutherford. Living the business and culture of running, the ultramarathoner leads sports retail and partnerships at Cheribundi and probiotic juice brand GoodBelly.

Ross builds his day around early morning runs and strength sessions, balancing ultramarathon training with frequent travel. "Running has taken me to incredible places," he shares. "I want to continue exploring what my body is capable of."

Here’s Ross to share his Health Stack:

• Normatec Compression Boots: “I love sitting in the Normatec boots after long runs and hard workouts. I typically put them on 3-4 times per week for 45-60 minutes after dinner when my wife and I hang out watching shows. It's so relaxing as they slowly massage my legs and increase blood flow and circulation.” 

• Cheribundi Tart Cherry Concentrates & Gummies: “Marathon training is a hard grind for 12-16 weeks and nutrition is key to getting through hard workouts and keeping your body healthy. Cheribundi helps me feel less sore, sleep better, and recover faster. The concentrates are great for on-the-go and I like to freeze them in the summer and have a little recovery ice pop after a hot run.”

• Body Glide: “Chafing is the worst and it can ruin a great run! I start every run with a quick application of Body Glide and often bring a small pocket or travel size with me on trail runs to reapply on my shoulders, chest, and thighs to make sure I don't get myself into any stingy situations later.”

• Salomon Adv Skin 5: “This vest is perfect for long training runs when I want to have enough hydration, nutrition, and gear with me while I’m out for 2-3 hours. It’s extremely comfortable and I have never had any chaffing or rubbing issues. Also having two different hydration flasks lets me keep one for water and the other for an electrolyte drink mix which helps me stay properly hydrated.”

• WOLACO Distance Half Tight: “These have been a game changer for me. The sweatproof phone and accessories pockets are perfect! No Bounce, easy access, and secure. I also love that there are breathable storage pockets on the back and a shirt loop. Everyone should have at least a couple of pairs.”

• LMNT Electrolytes: “I drink at least one of these every day. I work out hard and I sweat a lot. LMNT helps replenish key minerals - sodium, potassium, and magnesium - and generally makes me feel better and more hydrated first thing in the morning and post-workout. Plus they taste great and the stick packers are easy to travel with.”

• Ice Barrel 400: “I started cold plunging in January because of all the great benefits I kept seeing online and hearing about on podcasts. I always enjoyed contrast therapy at wellness spas and wanted to bring that home and add more consistency to my routine. I love the way it makes my body feel and I can't say enough about mental clarity as well.”

Balancing act

Gut check. Nearly 70 million Americans live with digestive issues, and the holiday season doesn’t help. But maintaining gut health doesn't mean skipping the festivities.

Modern problems. Lifestyle choices play a key role. "Modern living has introduced a range of factors that disrupt the microbiome," says Dr. Zain Kassam, Chief Medical Officer at Seed. "Poor diet, chronic stress, disrupted sleep, and alcohol consumption can all throw off balance."

Holiday harmony. The good news? " Intentional choices in diet and lifestyle support the gut microbiome, Dr. Kassam notes. Eating fiber-rich foods, making time for regular exercise, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can have a positive impact even during an indulgent time of year. 

Smart supps: "Adding a probiotic to your routine helps provide a safety net," says Dr. Kassam, who recommends products with strain diversity, targeted delivery systems, prebiotic support, and clinical validation. 

Dr. Kassam’s go-to? Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Other gut-friendly options include:

• Supergut’s Gut Friendly Probiotic Bar

• YayDay’s Super Digestive Powder

• Kefir Labs probiotic drinks 

Want deeper insights? Brands like Thorne, Viome, and Injoy offer gut health tests to help you understand your microbiome. 

The bottom line: Supporting your gut during the holidays doesn't mean missing out. With the right approach and tools, you can maintain year-round microbiome balance. 

Stay ready for anything with the Nike Storm-FIT Swift Jacket

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Whatever the weather, the Nike Storm-FIT Swift Running Jacket has you covered. Crafted with 100% recycled polyester fibers, this hooded jacket combines sustainability with performance. Lightweight and breathable, it’s designed to resist wind and water, keeping you comfortable through unpredictable conditions.

The oversized fit makes layering effortless, while the adjustable bungee cord at the hem lets you customize the fit for added comfort. Thoughtful details like a storm flap to protect the front zipper and pockets for quick storage ensure you’re prepared for any adventure.

Don’t let the elements hold you back. The Nike Storm-FIT Swift is your go-to jacket for staying active, no matter what nature throws your way. Shop here.

Just Dropped: Apothékary’s latest tincture 

Today Apothékary launched Sugar Kick, a Japanese-inspired tincture featuring mulberry leaf, apple cider vinegar, and bitter melon to help manage glucose response and reduce cravings. The botanical blend aims to support healthy blood sugar levels while easing inflammation. Shop here.

More drops perfect for:

• Optimal hydration. Simple Modern debuted Trevi, an electrolyte drink mix with 3x the electrolytes of typical sports drinks. The zero-sugar formula includes five essential vitamins and minerals for daily hydration needs. Learn more or shop here.

• Cycle support. Women's wellness brand DailyBasis launched a subscription-based nutrition system tailored to menstrual cycles, featuring targeted supplements to reduce PMS symptoms and support hormone balance. Pre-order now at 35% off.

• Smart training. Peloton launched Strength+, a personalized strength training app featuring custom programming and expert coaching from top instructors like Rad Lopez, Andy Speer, and Rebecca Kennedy. Check it out.

• Trail tech. District Vision and New Balance unveiled their fourth collab: eco-friendly trail shoes made with recycled ReGrind tire compound. The retro-inspired design comes in Black and Bone ($195). Reserve now.

• Heritage bites. Little Latke debuted its shelf-stable potato latke crisps, offering the crunch and flavor of traditional Jewish potato pancakes in a convenient, baked format. The Kosher-certified, vegan crisps come in resealable pouches starting at $8.99. Snag a pack.

• Kicking back. Longevity Hackers, a new documentary narrated by Edward Norton, debuted yesterday on Apple TV and Amazon. It features Chris Bumstead, Wim Hof, Chris Mirabile, and other experts sharing personal insights on extending healthspan. Get the details. 

• Mental wellness. Jimini Health launched a hybrid therapy platform combining expert therapists with an AI assistant called Sage. The service provides evidence-based therapy plus continuous AI support between sessions for improved anxiety treatment outcomes. Learn more.

• Focus fuel. Grüns launched Nütrops, functional mushroom gummies featuring reishi for mood, cordyceps for energy, and lion's mane for focus in a daily nootropic blend. Stock up here.

• Booze-free sips. Boston Beer Company (owners of Samuel Adam, Truly Seltzer, and more) ventured into non-alcoholic beverages with General Admission last month, offering four fruity flavors like Orange Ovation and Grapefruit Groove in their first direct-to-consumer launch. Get a case now.

We tried it: Mount to Coast R1 

Wellworthy contributor Joe Niehaus tested Mount to Coast's flagship running shoe in Sedona. Here are his thoughts:

What is it? The R1 ($160) is Mount to Coast's first ultra-running shoe, created by veteran designers from Nike, Brooks, and Asics. It features ZeroSag technology adapted from race car suspension systems and nitrogen-infused PEBA foam that's 50% lighter than traditional EVA.

The rundown: Mount to Coast has created something rare – a shoe that excels at ultra distances while remaining versatile enough for everyday training. The TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System adapts well to foot swelling during long runs, while the cushioning stays consistent over hundreds of miles. The 35mm stack height and 8mm drop provide excellent support without sacrificing ground feel. Most impressive is the durability – Olympic runner Ben Blankenship went through just two pairs in a year. 

While marketed for ultra running, the R1 proves capable across various activities, from weightlifting to pickleball, making its $160 price point particularly compelling in a market where specialized shoes often exceed $200.

Check out our full review.

Today’s newsletter was brought to you by Joe Niehaus and Ash Read.

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