When we think of immunity, our minds often go straight to supplements, green juices, and vitamin C. But here’s something most people miss: your gut health plays a huge role in how your immune system functions - and that’s where BARLEYMAX® Super Barley, our Australian-grown superfood, comes in.
So, can a wholegrain really help support your immune system?
TL:DR: absolutely.
Let’s unpack the science (in real talk, not textbook talk).
Your Gut and Your Immune System: The Connection
Did you know that about 70% of your immune cells live in your gut. Yep. Your belly isn’t just for digestion; it’s also HQ for immune activity.
A healthy, balanced gut microbiome supports:
• Better immune regulation
• Reduced inflammation
• Faster recovery from illness
• A more resilient gut lining (your first line of defence!)
When you feed your gut the good stuff, you're also feeding your immune system.1
What Makes BARLEYMAX® So Special?
We don’t refer to BARLEYMAX® as *Super Barley* for no reason. Developed by CSIRO, it’s an Australian-grown, non-GMO wholegrain that naturally contains a unique mix of four prebiotic fibres.
These prebiotic fibres do two incredible things:
1. Feed your good gut bugs (they love it)
2. Boost the production of short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate; a gut-loving compound that is well recognised for supporting good gut health.2
Our resident nutritionist, Sharon Lawton notes “As if that wasn’t enough, the good bugs and short-chain fatty acid production also strengthen the gut wall lining. This is good news for nutrient transport and absorption around the body as we are not just what we eat but what we absorb.”
BARLEYMAX® & Immune Benefits: What the Research Says
Clinical studies have shown that BARLEYMAX® increases the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, including butyrate-producing bacteria - known to help regulate inflammation and support immune function.
In a 2021 study, participants consumed BARLEYMAX® granola daily for 4 weeks. Results showed an increase in key gut microbes which are associated with butyric acid production, improved gut health and better immunity.3
How to Super Charge Your Day (and Gut Health, and Immunity) with Super Barley
You don’t need a complicated health regime to support your immunity.
Just add BARLEYMAX® Super Barley Flakes to foods you already love:
• Mix into your smoothie bowls
• Stir into overnight oats
• Sprinkle on top of yoghurt
• Bake into gut-loving muffins or cookies
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a simple, wholefood way to support your immune health from the inside out, BARLEYMAX® has your back (and your belly). It’s fibre-powered, CSIRO-backed, and naturally nourishing.
Strong immune systems start in strong guts - we’re here to help you build both.
1. Belkaid, Y. & Hand, T.W. (2014). Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell, 157(1), 121–141. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.03.011
2. Topping, D.L. et al. (2008). Modulation of the human colon microbiota by prebiotic fibres increases SCFA production. CSIRO Research Review.
3. Sawada, D. et al. (2021). Fiber-Rich Barley Increases Butyric Acid-Producing Bacteria in the Human Gut Microbiota. Metabolites, 11(8), 559. DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080559
