Hi Symprove, I'm a broadcaster and the founder of the burns charity The Katie Piper Foundation. My work is varied from TV presenting, radio hosting, writing books and charity campaigning.
I’m often travelling, this year I’ve been out in America making a documentary about women in prisons, so Symprove On The Go has been so handy.
I also have two daughters, who like me, love to be active and on the go, so it’s a busy household, where I can go from TV presenter to mum taxi in one day!
How did you hear about Symprove and how long have you been taking it?
I was badly burnt in my twenties in an acid attack. The injuries I sustained meant I have spent lots of time under the care of a gastro team. I ingested acid which means I’ve had lots of surgery and intervention on my oesophagus and stomach. I started taking Symprove around this time so it’s actually been in my life many years - longer than my children!
Where did your interest in gut health start?
I asked big things of my body in my twenties - I’ve needed it to heal and repair and I quickly realised I need to put lots back in to get those results. Everything goes back to your gut and the saying ‘trust your gut’ couldn’t be more accurate, and that’s what I decided to do.
What does routine mean to you?
Routine is essential for me to thrive. When I break routine, I suffer mentally and physically. I try to separate motivation and discipline. Motivation ebbs and flows but discipline is a commitment, a promise to ourselves to continually show up for us and that has a positive impact on those around us. If I’m struggling to be consistent, I take myself back to what’s important to me, my priorities and my WHY.
Can you share your morning non-negotiables for supporting your gut?
1. Time to myself
Which isn’t easy as a parent and work starting early. But stress and busy vibes is bad for my gut and not the right energy to start the day on. I combat this by setting my alarm 30 minutes before the house wakes up so I can have silence and that half hour to be in my own company.
2. Taking Symprove first thing
My husband lays out a shot glass for me the night before to remind me (not that I would ever forget) but I think it’s his love language to me when I’m back late from work and up early the next morning. I take a shot of the Mango and Passion Fruit flavour and then nothing else. I sit on the sofa (still in PJs) and sometimes listen to a podcast or if it’s a busy day look at the diary and plan my outfit and movements for the day.
3. Drink lots of water
Once the house wakes up I drink water and then make a black coffee in my takeaway cup for the school run. I then fast for the morning and I find this really effective for energy levels, and bowel movement being regular.
What do you do each day that makes you feel like a superhero?
I try to be authentic. I have to be honest I don’t feel like a superhero everyday, but I know that’s ok. I show up and try to be the best version of me that I can be and not make any comparison. So many things in life are out of our control but being in control of my gut health makes me feel confident, reassured, and centred.
Original, Mango and Passion Fruit or Strawberry and Raspberry?
Mango and Passion Fruit every time! It reminds me of sunshine and holidays.
Describe Symprove in 3 words…
Quick. Easy. Effective.
Thanks so much, Katie.
Photo credit: Zak Walton
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