In Conversation with Dawn O Porter: True Biome and the bravery behind gut health

We recently sat down with writer, broadcaster and long-time Ancient + Brave advocate Dawn O’Porter to talk all things gut health and her experience with our True Biome 12-week trial. Dawn has been open about her journey with digestion over the years, from navigating intolerances to finding rituals that truly support her vitality. With her trademark honesty and humour, she shared what made her excited to take part, how she’s woven True Biome into her daily routine, and the surprising shifts she noticed along the way.

1. Cast your mind back 12 weeks - when you first heard about our True Biome trial, what was going through your head? Did you have any hopes… or any “this is going to be another thing to do” type doubts?

Because I know, love and trust Ancient + Brave as a brand, I didn't hesitate to do the trial. I am always looking for ways to improve my gut health. I wasn’t phased by adding one more scoop of something worthwhile into my routine, I was just excited to feel great.

2. Before you began your True Biome journey, how would you describe the balance of your gut health and overall vitality?

Not bad, these days, but it’s taken a long time to get to this point. I’ve had a horrible time with my gut in the past, due to a gluten intolerance, but in recent years, I’ve had it really under control. So I didn’t start the trial in a terrible place, but I always feel like I am recovering from years of damage, so my gut health can be a bit hit and miss. 

3. Have you experienced moments in the past where your gut health felt out of sync? How did that affect the way you felt day to day? 

When your gut is off, everything is off. It shows up in my mood, sleep and skin. I can literally see a picture of me from the past 20 years and know what my gut was doing at the time from the look on my face. I think when you have suffered with issues like intolerances, you are extremely attuned to your gut. When things weren’t great, I would be sluggish and everything suffered. It’s miserable to be bloated, bunged up or have cramps. 

3. Why is gut health important to you?

For all the reasons above. It’s the absolute heart of good health (other than your heart, of course). But if your digestion is in good condition, you just feel better in so many ways. It’s why it’s sort of an obsession of mine. I don’t think about weight loss or calories, I just think about digestion. That really helps me make good choices with my diet. Its a sustainable way to stay healthy. Being obsessed with calories is just miserable and usually unhealthy. 

5. How have you woven True Biome into your daily ritual,  and is there a particular drink or moment of the day you love pairing it with?

I have it every morning in what I call my ‘Power Yoghurt’. I put one scoop into Greek Yoghurt, chia seeds, pomegranate and maybe some protein powder. I usually have that with my ‘loaded coffee’ that has a scoop of True Collagen and True Creatine. That is one mighty start to your day. If for any reason I can’t make all that happen, I just stir it into tea. 

6. Over the 12 weeks, what changes (big or small) have you noticed in your digestion, skin, energy, mood, or focus? Any that surprised you?

I felt a difference on day 2. My tummy was flatter. Digestion was smooth and my body just felt like it was working properly. It has a really high fibre content, so it gets to work pretty quickly ;) My skin looks great and I am sleeping so well because I don't feel bloated and gurgly in bed. That all happened quite fast. 

7. What is it about True Biome that feels different from other gut health supplements you’ve tried before?

The speed at which I felt better. But mostly it’s a brand I really trust. The key with these things is consistency, and I think in the past I have been pulled away from other brands because I just don't buy their message. But Ancient + Brave have nailed the science, information and results, so it’s hard to step away once you start taking their products. 

8. Have you combined True Biome with other Ancient + Brave favourites such as True Collagen? How do they work in synergy for you?

I basically take the whole range. My skin feels so supple, and I feel really good all around. I feel like these products really support my age. The True collagen. True Creatine+, True Biome combination is everything my body was crying out for. 

9. Which Ancient + Brave products have become your non-negotiables in supporting your health and wellbeing?

True Collagen, True Creatine and True Biome EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. But I also love True hydration, the Matcha + Collagen and the True Nightcap. Basically, all of it. 

10. If someone asked you why True Biome is worth making part of their daily ritual, what would you say?

It’s a really quick and easy way to get your gut health into good shape. It's from a trusted brand that cares about you and the planet. 

11. What is it that you love most about Ancient + Brave as a brand?

As I said above. I believe they have done the research for me. I LOVE that they are a B-Corp, which means a lot to me when I am using their products every single day. And the facts are the facts. I just feel great since taking it all. 

12. What’s one of the best pieces of wisdom or advice you've been given?

Live 80/20. Look after yourself. Be healthy, be safe - 80% of the time. The rest of the time, play hard and eat chips - OK, maybe that's the advice I gave myself. 

13. What does 'bravery' mean to you?

Walking into any room in the world and being yourself.