In conversation with founder Laura of L-Complex
The ingredients present in kombucha depend heavily on the tea, culture, and fermentation conditions. During fermentation, organic acids and other natural fermentation products, among other things, can be formed.
However, a diagnosed nutrient deficiency cannot be universally compensated for in this way. This is precisely where targeted nutrition and, if necessary, suitable dietary supplements come into play.
In the jungle of many dietary supplements, Laura stands out with her young startup L-COMPLEX. Her preparations are made exclusively from natural ingredients, are 100% tested for purity, and are largely vegan. In the interview, Laura reveals interesting facts about nutrients and why little stress, a healthy gut, and a balanced microbiome are so important for a healthy body!
"Food is no longer as nutrient-rich as it used to be. Furthermore, our digitized and fast-paced society lives in a completely abnormal stress level, which prevents our bodies from properly absorbing and storing nutrients."
1. Please briefly introduce yourself and L-COMPLEX. Why the name, and how did you come up with the idea to found L-COMPLEX?
I'm Laura, and I founded L-COMPLEX in early 2019 alongside my then-job at a Berlin startup. I've always been interested in healthy eating. I only found my way to dietary supplements after a long health struggle. My realization: We live in a world full of new stressors that make healthy eating, enough exercise, and sufficient relaxation phases difficult. Chronic ailments such as migraines, intolerances, or fatigue are now commonplace for most people. But we can actively do something about it! I want to help people better understand their bodies and help them achieve more joy and health in life through a holistic approach. Dietary supplements can be a useful addition when there is a specifically identified need.
2. Dietary supplements are trending: What distinguishes your products from others?
The dietary supplement market is very opaque and now flooded with products and various promises of healing. However, most products contain many synthetic and animal ingredients and additives that the body doesn't need and that can even burden it. The products are hardly tested for purity, so they can sometimes be contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins. Our products are all based on natural ingredients, are 100% tested for purity, and are largely vegan. We produce in Germany according to the highest EU guidelines, for short supply chains and full control over the supply chain and quality. Instead of plastic, we use recycled glass for packaging. We produce in Germany and rely on the sustainability measures we have described for products and packaging. Our recipes are custom-created together with our biochemists. We use only ingredients that have been scientifically proven to have a function/benefit in the body without burdening it. Our experts also allow us to react quickly to new research findings.
3. Why do so many people in a developed society like ours need additional supplements?
Shouldn't a conscious diet be enough to provide the body with the necessary nutrients? One would think so. Unfortunately, our developed society is precisely the problem: Our soil is completely overused by agriculture; the earth can no longer recover properly. The result: Food is no longer as nutrient-rich as it used to be. Furthermore, our digitized and fast-paced society lives in a completely abnormal stress level, which prevents our bodies from properly absorbing and storing nutrients. You have to imagine it like this: In the past, we ran away from lions, and all other organs, including our digestion, were shut down so we could survive. Today, we have a high pulse due to the various media we consume daily, as well as daily professional, family, and leisure stress. We sleep even less, and targeted relaxation phases are neglected. The result is the same. Hardly anyone today achieves the necessary nutrient intake to remain healthy in the long term. This is clearly reflected, among other things, in the increase in chronic physical and mental illnesses. And let's be honest? Who still feels 100% today? Hardly anyone! Optimized nutrient intake helps with this.
4. On your blog, you write that "emotional stress and anxieties are more present than before and that these would significantly impair health in the long run." How can your dietary supplements help with this?
The psyche and our physical well-being are closely linked and behave symbiotically, so to speak. A weak psyche influences nutrient absorption and the immune system, just as nutrition and the immune system also influence the psyche. Those who suffer from stress and anxieties should focus on nutrients that support the immune system and a normal psyche. Since our nutrient absorption mainly takes place in the gut and 70% of our immune system is located in the gut, we always recommend building up the gut as a first step by taking our Active Cultures. Vitamin B Complex is also recommended. The B vitamins are involved in almost every metabolic process in the body and not only promote immune defense (B6, B12) but also have a direct influence on the psyche (B1) and nervous system (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12).
5. Do you have a tip on how to best support your immune system in the cold season?
If you're not already doing so, you should definitely supplement with vitamin D in winter. Vitamin D is absorbed exclusively through sunlight and cannot be produced by the body itself. It is therefore not surprising that up to 90% of Germans have a deficiency. Good to know: Vitamin D is actually a hormone and therefore also has an indirect influence on, for example, other hormones like serotonin or our reproductive hormones. Women in particular should therefore ensure a good level here. Additional antioxidants like vitamin C and zinc support our immune defense against pathogens, which are particularly prevalent in winter. Otherwise, we recommend ensuring sufficient intake of green vegetables, as these contain many valuable nutrients and are often neglected in winter.
6. How important do you think the microbiome and a healthy gut are for nutrient absorption?
As previously mentioned, the microbiome is incredibly important. Nutrient absorption primarily takes place in the small intestine and can only function if our gut is in balance. It is therefore worthwhile to invest in a healthy gut environment, for example, through proper nutrition and additional nutrients that keep our gut flora in balance.
7. As kombucha lovers, we find L-Complex's Active Cultures particularly exciting. Please tell us more about them, how valuable do you consider probiotic bacterial cultures in nutrition?
A balanced gut flora is the alpha and omega for our general well-being. Therefore, it is worthwhile to actively do something for our gut health. Our Active Cultures contain 14 of the most important bacterial strains and 10.65 billion germs, which are essential for a good gut environment. Especially if we feel bloated, have digestive difficulties, or even suffer from intolerances, this is usually a sign that we don't have enough good gut bacteria. Our intestinal wall may already be permeable and susceptible to pathogens ("leaky gut"). At this point, probiotics like our Active Cultures can help and replenish the good bacteria in the gut. It is also generally worthwhile to integrate probiotic foods into your diet to additionally support our gut with good bacteria daily. Particularly recommended are: kimchi, yogurt, kombucha, miso, tofu, and sauerkraut.
8. Please give us a little outlook into the future, what else do you have planned on your journey with L-COMPLEX?
With L-COMPLEX, I want to create a place where I empower customers to actively take their health into their own hands. Through the right tips and products, I want to help people develop routines that lay the foundation for a long and fulfilling life – despite stress. I am aiming for a holistic approach that goes far beyond micronutrients. So, you can expect many exciting projects next year.
With the voucher code: LCOMPLEX10 you get 10% off at https://l-complex.com.
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