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⚠️ Warning: This article discusses bowel movements. If that’s not your thing, feel free to read something less graphic. Lovely engagement rings, perhaps, or the benefits of creatine.
Right, now we’re ready. Let’s carry on.
Recently, at a gym class with much running and throwing weights around, I “did my neck in”: a highly technical term that had just means I was screaming down A&E. This is important context as to why I ended up in bed for a week on a cocktail of intense painkillers, which included (but were not limited to): Tramadol, nerve blockers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories.
The pros, of course, were many: being able to turn my head without screeching, and replying to Instagram stories from people I haven’t spoken to since high school with, “looking gorgeous, babe.”
But all those handfuls of pills did take a brutal toll on my quite sensitive stomach. Even after coming off the medication, my gut felt sluggish, bloated, and uncomfortable.
Why your gut matters
Your gut is often referred to as your “second brain” for good reason. The trillions of bacteria living there regulate digestion, protect against illness, and even influence mood and focus. But factors like illness, medication, stress and diet can throw your microbiome out of whack (not the official term), leaving you bloated and tired.
This is where prebiotics and probiotics come in. Probiotics are live microorganisms that add beneficial bacteria to your gut, while prebiotics are the fibres that feed and support them. A 2022 study proved that together, they form a powerful duo for digestive health, aiding in immune system strength and helping protect against obesity.
Hercules Harmony of the Gods supplements
Hercules Supplements (known for creatine, collagen, and other blends) has racked up hundreds of five-star reviews for its pre- and probiotic range. The Hercules Harmony of the Gods probiotic is a high-strength 50 billion CFU blend with 10 clinically studied strains, designed to repopulate your gut with the good stuff fast. The prebiotic combines Inulin, FOS, fibre, and L-Glutamine to feed good bacteria, support the gut lining, and reduce digestive discomfort. They can be paired or taken separately.
Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that benefit the host, offer a range of health advantages. They can improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and potentially alleviate conditions like diarrhoea and certain allergies.
The Hercules Harmony of the Gods Probiotic is a particularly high-strength blend. It contains a whopping 50 billion CFU with 10 clinically studied strains. To put that in perspective, studies show that 10–20 million CFU are the bare minimum for probiotic benefits. Among the strains included are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, and L. plantarum, which support gut motility and reduce symptoms of constipation. This therapeutic-strength dose is designed to ease digestion, boost immune performance, and support gut-brain signalling.
Key features:
Encourages regular, healthy bowel movements
Promotes microbiome diversity and balance
High-strength 50 billion CFU per serve
Shelf-stable and travel-ready
We’ve all heard that we should be eating more fibre — that’s where a prebiotic comes in. The Harmony of the Gods Prebiotic is specially formulated to give your gut bacteria food to feed on, helping to improve digestion, energy, and day-to-day performance.
It includes Sunfiber (2000 mg), Inulin (1650 mg), Fibregum (1500 mg), and Fructooligosaccharides (600 mg): scientifically studied prebiotic fibres that fuel beneficial gut bacteria.
These ingredients help repair the gut lining, reduce irritation, and promote regular bowel movements. Dandelion Root (100 mg) supports healthy bile flow and liver detoxification, which can further ease digestive sluggishness.
Key features:
Nourishes gut microbiome balance
Supports healthy digestion and comfort
Helps reduce bloating and digestive stress
Strengthens gut lining integrity
Results from our month-long trial
First impressions
I’ve combined my review of both products, as the Hercules team recommends taking them together. Their professional guidance: take the probiotic sachet on an empty stomach, then 15 minutes later, take the prebiotic to give the good bacteria something to “feed” on.
I’ll be honest: I’ve always thought of probiotics as “good for you” in a vague, mum-said-so way, but never bothered to stick with them. The need for refrigeration and short expiry dates made them feel like a hassle.
The first thing I loved about these was the convenience. Both come in single-serve sachets, with no fridge required, no measuring spoons, no guessing. Now, of course, this isn’t the most environmentally friendly option — it’d be awesome if these sachets were biodegradable (though that may increase the cost). But the convenience is unbeatable. Being able to chuck a sachet into my work bag meant I never missed a daily dose. On a weekend away, I packed three sachets and didn’t miss a single dose. Convenience? Tick.
Combining forces
I followed the instructions: probiotic before leaving for work, prebiotic within 20 minutes of arriving. Straight off the bat, the probiotic is a dream to take. It dissolves into nothing in water and is completely tasteless. An added benefit of taking it daily was that I actually remembered to have a large glass of water before leaving the house, a habit I’ve been trying to establish for years without success. The prebiotic, on the other hand, was *slightly* more of a chore. Sometimes I mixed it into water, which was fairly innocuous, though it thickens the liquid, so you have to glug it down. Other times, I blended it into my morning smoothie, where it dissolved seamlessly — by far my preferred method. The slightly sweet flavour is much more palatable in a green smoothie than in a glass of water.
Results of my trial of Hercules’ Harmony of the Gods probiotic and prebiotic
So, how were the results? I’m someone who struggles big time with bloating, even before painkillers entered the picture. By 3pm, the combination of coffee, meals, and the odd cheese scone from the café downstairs usually means the top button of my jeans is permanently undone (professional!). Since my neck injury, I’ve also had stomach discomfort I put down to the heavy-duty meds.
But two weeks of consistent use were enough for me to notice an impact. The standard 3pm bloating — and its accompanying desk-nap-worthy energy slump — has completely diminished, even after reheated spaghetti bolognese for lunch (a fairly regular occurrence). TMI alert: My bowel movements have become much more regular — daily, even! Amazing! — and right at that happy mid-point of the Bristol Stool Chart (for fans of that).
I’ve also noticed my skin is glowier, and I just feel more zippy. My takeaway: A thriving gut isn’t just about digestion, it’s about energy, mood, immunity, and even skin. Pairing probiotics with the right prebiotics can help restore balance and support your body from the inside out.
Any cons?
The aforementioned sachets may be convenient, but they’re not eco-friendly. And it’s not the cheapest supplement out there. The probiotic alone costs just over $100 for a one-month supply, which is a steep investment when other probiotics tend to sit in the $30–$50 range for a jar.
Where can I buy Hercules’ Harmony of the Gods supplements in NZ?
Shop for the full range of Hercules supplements, including Harmony of the Gods – Probiotic (RRP $101) and Harmony of the Gods – Prebiotic (RRP $89) on the website with New Zealand shipping calculated at checkout.
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Author
Sarah Templeton
Commercial Editor