All the Zoguri Questions You’ve Been Asking…

Oh my goodness, it has been wonderful to connect with so many of you over the last few days about Zoguri. Your interest is incredible and honestly just so validating…so many of you are prioritizing your health and truly see the big picture. Kuddos to you!

I’ve even heard from some of you that you’ve already received and started your Zoguri…and your feedback is SO EXCITING! Please keep sharing any questions or thoughts with me…I truly love hearing from you. It’s amazing to think about the kind of impact Zoguri could have on so many people.🫶

I’ve gotten a lot of really good questions about both gut health and Zoguri since my last post, so I thought I’d take a minute to share some of them here in case it helps clarify a few things for you, too. So here goes…

What exactly is the microbiome, and why do I need to supplement for it? This is such a good question, and my nerdy science-loving self promises not to go too deep here. 😉 Think of your microbiome as a little ecosystem made up of trillions of bacteria (both good and bad) living mostly in your gut. Some of these bacteria are the “good guys”…they help break down food, support your immune system, create nutrients your body needs, and keep inflammation and bad bacteria in check. But when the microbiome is out of balance and the bad bacteria outnumber the good, it’s been linked to a ton of health concerns…things like obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, certain cancers, and even conditions like autism. Click here to read more on the science behind that.

The thing is, it’s really hard to keep our microbiome balanced in today’s world. Stress, processed foods, antibiotics, and even normal aging can all throw things off and deplete the good bacteria. This is why it’s so important to supplement with the right strains…it helps bring back that balance, making your ecosystem stronger… and it can truly make a difference not only in your overall health, but in how you feel, too. It’s simply getting to the root of so many health concerns of today.

Why is Zoguri better than other probiotics? “Better” really depends on what your body needs…but here’s what we do know: about 96% of people are missing the keystone strain L. reuteri, which has been widely researched and is linked to improvements in digestion, skin health, immune function, inflammation, and even mood. And Zoguri contains two unique strains of L. reuteri plus five additional strains of other good bacteria for added benefits. Along with that, Zoguri is naturally fermented into a yogurt form…which matters a lot. This article goes deeper into the science, but basically probiotics in yogurt form may be more effective than pills because the pH helps protect the bacteria as it travels through your stomach acid to your gut, where it can actually do its job. This option is just so much cleaner than synthetic pills, too.

Why don’t people just make this yogurt themselves? Aha! Love the way you’re thinking! If you Google “L. reuteri yogurt” you’ll see that a ton of people are trying to make it at home. There’s a cult following for a reason…people know about the benefits and have been trying for years to make it themselves.

Some of you might be familiar with Dr. William Davis who is the author of Wheat Belly and a thought leader in gut health. He’s done amazing work helping people DIY L. reuteri yogurt. But the problem is that L. reuteri is super finicky to work with… and the homemade stuff can be really stinky and doesn’t taste great. Unless of course you’ve got a secret fermentation process and family recipe that helps make it taste like authentic Mediterranean yogurt 😉

How much should I give my kids? Here’s what’s suggested on the Zoguri website: Zoguri is safe for children who do not have an intolerance to dairy. As always, consult your child’s healthcare provider before starting Zoguri. We suggest ½ teaspoon (4.7 g) for children under 6 years of age and 1 teaspoon (9.3 g) for children 6-12 years of age.

That said, I give my boys (almost 8 and 11) one heaping teaspoon each, and my daughter (13) gets one tablespoon daily.

What does Zoguri taste like? In my humble opinion, it tastes just like true Mediterranean labne. If you’re not familiar, think rich, full-fat, unsweetened yogurt. It’s got a little bit of tang to it, too.
If you prefer it sweet, you can gently stir in a little honey or maple syrup before taking it. Just don’t heat, freeze, or blend it…the bacteria is alive and delicate. My boys prefer taking it with a raspberry on top!

Do I have to take the full 1–2 tablespoons daily? Not necessarily, but consistency is key, so I’d say taking it daily really matters. A lot of people start with 1 tablespoon for a few days, then increase to 2 once their body adjusts. You can totally play around with it…just listen to your body. Sorry if this is info overload but honestly, one of the best gauges is your poop…if things are feeling and looking just right, that’s a good sign you’ve hit your sweet spot.

Should I get a subscription when I order? Yes, yes, and YES. It saves you the most money. Subscribing just means Zoguri will be delivered to your door monthly (or however often you choose), so you won’t have to place a new order each time, and you’ll get a discounted price. You can cancel or change the frequency anytime, even right after your first order. I also shared this in my last post, but don’t forget…I’ve got a discount code for an extra 10% off the subscription price so dont forget to use it at checkout. Here it is again: HEALTHYGUT10A.

That’s all I’ve got for now. Please keep the questions and feedback coming…I love staying in touch with you!
xo

M

Order here: https://zoguri.com/melissa

Contact me here: melissaoprish@yahoo.com

Introducing Zoguri

Hi, friends and fam!

I’m so excited to finally share the work I’ve been doing with my brother, Dan. As many of you know, I’ve always believed in the power of food as medicine. The way we nourish our bodies can make a huge difference in our health.  Over the past year, I’ve been working with Dan to help him bring something truly special to market—and I’m just so excited to finally share it with all of you! 

Meet Zoguri—a one-of-a-kind fermented probiotic yogurt that has legit been life changing for the health of my family.

The Story

Zoguri (pronounced ZOE-gur-eye) started with Dan wanting to improve his own health. He has always carried on our family’s Middle Eastern tradition of fermenting homemade yogurt…he’s a total pro. Like many of us, he found himself struggling with life’s demands—lack of sleep, stress, and feeling constantly drained. 

Dan started learning more and more about the power of the microbiome and how important it is to have the right bacteria living in our guts. After years of trying several probiotics that just didn’t work, he had a light bulb moment:  use our family’s traditional fermentation process, combined with a special strain of bacteria—Lactobacillus reuteri—that’s missing from most probiotics. So he started fermenting it, noticed incredible benefits from eating it, and from there, Zoguri was born.

Why Zoguri Works

In short, Zoguri contains essential strains of bacteria that most of us are missing and helps ensure they are delivered to the gut successfully. 

A couple things here:

  1. Have you checked what’s in your probiotic? I never once did, and after learning what I have over the past few years, I’ve realized that the strain of bacteria absolutely matters. Many probiotics don’t contain Zoguri’s main bacteria—L. reuteri—which is a keystone strain that 96% of people are missing. This strain has been widely researched and is linked to improvements in digestion, skin health, immune function, inflammation, and even mood.
  2. Probiotics in pill form lose potency as they travel to your gut due to the stomach acid they cross paths with along the way. But taking probiotics in yogurt form allows the probiotics to survive the trip to your gut…because of the low pH at which the yogurt is fermented. This is so fascinating to me…who knew?! This explains why I’ve never noticed benefits from pill probiotics. Just one to two tablespoons of Zoguri per day is the recommended dose.

The Impact on My Family

Rocco has always been prone to strep…he used to get it multiple times a winter, but since starting Zoguri, he hasn’t gotten it once. That’s no coincidence to me…and I’m guessing it’s because of the immunity benefits of the L.reuteri in Zoguri. Many of my friends, whose kiddos also take it, have noticed much less sickness as well. And it’s helped all three of my kids with digestion, too.

Even Nick, who as you know has faced major health challenges, has seen a positive impact. After just a few months of starting Zoguri, his tumor markers were consistently lower. When he stopped taking it three separate times, his tumor markers rose each time. Mind-blowing. I truly believe this is a direct result of how L. reuteri helps to reduce inflammation…something I believe so strongly is at the root of many health issues today. 

Why I Take Zoguri

While I noticed benefits like better digestion, less brain fog, healthier skin and hair, and improved sleep after a few months of taking it, the main reason I take Zoguri is for preventative health. What’s most important to me is L.reuteri’s ability to help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is such a hot topic in the health field for a reason. It’s a major contributor to chronic conditions like autoimmune disease, allergies, arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer, and it’s something we often don’t recognize until it’s too late. In today’s world, with all the stress, poor diet and food quality, and environmental toxins, chronic low-grade inflammation is a huge concern and incredibly scary. It feels good to know I’m taking an extra step to address this concern for my family. 

Also, as we age, muscle and bone health become more important, and L. reuteri has been shown to improve muscle mass and support healthy bones. And sadly, I’m not getting any younger. 😉

Could You Benefit from Zoguri?

I’m pretty sure there isn’t a human walking the face of the earth who wouldn’t benefit. Honestly, there’s even literature on the impact of L. reuteri on colicky babies (parents—you’re welcome 💛)! This is a fantastic product for anyone looking to support long-term, overall health. And if you’re noticing any of the symptoms below in particular, you might want to consider it:

  • Digestive issues (constipation, IBS, irregularity, bloating, etc)
  • Regularly feeling groggy or exhausted
  • Frequent illness
  • Bad quality of sleep
  • Chronic inflammation 
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Bone or muscle health concerns

Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat more about gut health or how Zoguri might support your wellness…I’ll leave my contact info below or simply click the “contact” button on the top menu. I’m an open book and welcome questions or thoughts in any capacity. With my education in holistic nutrition and everything I’ve learned through working in the probiotic field thus far, it’s a topic I’m deeply passionate about. 

Thank you for listening and supporting this sweet family business that’s so close to my heart…I truly believe this product has the potential to help so many people.💛

If you’re interested in learning more about Zoguri, the research behind L. reuteri, or want to try it for yourself, feel free to visit the Zoguri official website. Below is a friends and family code for 10% off a Zoguri subscription:

HEALTHYGUT10A 

Talk soon.

Xoxo,

M

melissaoprish@yahoo.com

612.432.8478

https://zoguri.com/melissa

P.S. Just a reminder that I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice…just me sharing my personal experience and what’s worked for my family. If you’re considering trying Zoguri or making changes to your wellness routine, it’s always a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider first.

One Pan Lebanese Chicken + Lentil Pilaf

SONY DSCI have been hardcore craving Lebanese food.  And I’m not talking just a yummy shawarma I can get from a local food truck.  I want the real deal…mamas cooking, preferably.  The authentic flavors, the comfort, all of it.  So I did a little playing around in my kitchen this past week and man have I seen the light!

This One Pan Lebanese Chicken and Lentil Pilaf is not a traditional Lebanese dish.  It is a lazy-cooks version of a couple of dishes combined and can I just say that it’s the best lazy-move I may have ever made in the kitchen?  The most tender, flavorful chicken paired with a savory lentil pilaf is a match made in heaven.  Continue reading

Pan Seared Salmon with Quick Dill Yogurt Sauce

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Monday, you’re back.  Back to rushing home to get dinner on the table, no?  Man that can be such a lame feeling.  So let me give you a little hookup to make that process a bit easier this week: Pan Seared Salmon with Quick Dill Yogurt Sauce.

You can have this one on the table in less than 15-hows that for quick?  All the salmon needs about 8-10 minutes on the stove.  Total score. Continue reading

Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce

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If you know me you can pretty much call it a day after reading the title of this recipe.  Say no more, me.  But I can’t help myself.  This is 187% my kind of food.  I think it could be yours, too, if you knew what was good for you. Continue reading

Sweet Mango Refresher

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I had a sick little boy last week.  Poor guy had a super sore throat and it was such a struggle to get him to eat because of the pain.  So thats when this Sweet Mango Refresher was born.  Complete success.

I wasn’t quite sure what to call this one.  It’s like a cross between sorbet, frozen yogurt and a slushy all in one.  My kids call it ice cream.  I call it a bowl of refreshing bliss.   Continue reading

Pan Roasted Chicken with Pomegranate and Tahini Sauce

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Ladies and Gentleman of the Delicious Food Nation please rise…

We are gathered here  today to witness the union of Roasted Chicken, Pomegranate Relish and Tahini Sauce in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, that is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently and soberly.  Well, if you want to pair it with a fine white wine that would be okay. Continue reading

Crispy Oven Fish Sticks with Dill Yogurt Sauce

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Let’s just get right to it.  I’m not a cod girl.  Never have been, never will be.  It just doesn’t do much for me.  Unless its battered.  And deep fried.  And doused in a lip puckering dunking sauce of deliciousness.  Then I’m a cod girl.

So thats what I’ve done here with this recipe.  I’ve ‘battered’ it.  And ‘deep fried’ it.  And doused it in a lip puckering dunking sauce of deliciousness.  Without truly battering it.  And without deep frying it.  Shh…my family has no idea! Continue reading