If you’ve ever wondered what a wellness entrepreneur does to stay fit, healthy and well, then read on for an insight into the daily rituals of Jules Miller, founder of one of our favourite supplement companies, The Nue Co.

How do you normally start your day?
I wake up at 6am and drink a cup of warm water with lemon and ginger. It’s a great way to rehydrate after eight hours of sleep and helps boost antioxidants in the body. I take Debloat+ first thing in the morning, along with our Skin Filter and Skin Hydrator. My routine for getting ready in the morning is very minimal. I’ve streamlined my skincare routine to only cleansing in the evenings, so as of morning, I apply our topical skin serum The Pill and a small amount of moisturiser. If I have a particularly busy day ahead, I will use a few sprays of Functional Fragrance, one of the anti-stress fragrances. My husband Charlie, who is COO of The Nue Co., and I will take our puppy Ruby for a walk and grab a coffee. Fortunately, my house is within walking distance to our office in London so we have been able to continue working from there throughout this year. We miss the energy of having our team with us every day and are looking forward to having them back in the office (hopefully, someday soon!).

What do you love most about running your own business?
For me, I’ve never been focused on the idea of ‘running a business’. The pride and enjoyment I get from my role is from being able to lead this business. I’ve always believed in the mission of The Nue Co. and the efficacy of the products we make. I love being able to see the difference we have made to people’s health and wellbeing. I’m excited about all the progress we can continue to make, not just for our customers, but for communities around the world through our continued commitment to supporting organisations such as charity water and through our efforts to be even more sustainable in our practices.

How did your own personal wellness journey inspire you to start The Nue Co?
When I was in my mid-twenties, I developed really bad IBS – I ended up being hospitalized a few times, and I was constantly bloated and uncomfortable. I was taking endless supplements to help deal with my bloating and cramps, which actually made them worse. Inspired by my grandfather, who was a chemist and lecturer at Cambridge University and would quite often create his own natural supplements, I started The Nue Co. to create a line of efficacious supplements merging innovative science and nature. 

What are your non-negotiables when it comes to good gut health?
A daily probiotic is an essential foundation for gut health. We carry trillions of bacteria – both good and bad – within our gut. This complex ecosystem is known as the microbiome. Our Prebiotic+Probiotic contains 15 billion spores per dose that feed and promote good bacteria in the gut and restore a healthy microbiome. 

Diet is a key way that you can support your gut. Probiotics are readily available in fermented products such as sauerkraut and kefir. Prebiotics are a specialized plant fiber that act as fertilizer for probiotics. Prebiotics are naturally occurring in foods like chicory root, jerusalem artichoke, dandelion greens, garlic, leeks, onion, bananas and asparagus. Stress is a big disruptor of good gut health. Your gut produces over 90% of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, sleep, memory and sexual desire. Maintaining your stress levels through meditation, exercise or even making time for the things you enjoy, such as socialising with friends, will help keep your gut in check. 

What does a healthy gut have to do with happy skin?
The skin is often thought of as a mirror to the health of the gut. Interesting studies have shown that people suffering from digestive issues often have a high prevalence of acne or other inflammatory skin conditions. For example, a report indicated that small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition involving inappropriate growth of bacteria in the small intestine, is 10 times more prevalent in people with acne rosacea than those without.

Can you describe your typical day on a plate?
As part of managing IBS, I have to be particularly conscious of the types of foods I eat. For me, the worst culprits are high FODMAP foods like raw garlic, onion and some stone fruits. Each meal is always rich in vegetables, proteins and healthy fats. I’m a huge advocate for a diverse and nutrient-rich diet. A lot of our supplements contain natural food ingredients as we know that food is the best way to deliver nutrients to the body. Our supplements should add to your diet and help aid in how your body functions properly when it isn’t receiving the nutrients it needs to function.

What’s your favourite way to workout?
I like to mix up my workout routine. During lockdown, I was spending 45 minutes each day on my Peloton bike. More recently, I’ve really enjoyed getting out of London and going for long walks in the countryside. Spending time in nature has such a positive impact on our mental and physical health, so much so that doctors in the US and UK are prescribing time in nature to their patients as part of their health care. 

Is there a hero product from The Nue Co you just couldn’t live without?
Debloat+ is my go-to product. It has been essential for me managing the symptoms of IBS, but can be used by anyone looking for fast relief from bloating. I’m incredibly proud that it is one of our best-sellers and is helping people who are suffering from the same issues I was when I set out to start The Nue Co. 

What does your evening skincare routine look like?
Similar to my morning routine, I like to keep it really simple. Like our gut, our skin has its own natural microbiome. Disrupting through over-cleansing or using too many harsh products can result in increased sensitivity and issues as such breakouts, redness and dull/dry skin. This has led us to create some new products that are set to launch in the coming months. Of an evening, I’ll cleanse my skin to remove any makeup and pollution and then moisturise to hydrate. 

After a busy day at work, how do you wind down in the evening?
The best way to give my brain a break is to socialise. Other people might find solace in working out or being alone, but I find joy in being in other people’s company, and often the less I do it, the less I feel like myself. Often clearing my diary so I can have a glass of wine or, in more recent times, a long phone call with a friend is a great way to unwind.

What’s the one wellness habit you wish you started sooner?
Listening to your body is so important for your wellbeing. My secret superpower is my ability to be truly connected to my body and mind. Listen to your body—rest when you feel tired, eat sugar if you really crave it, don’t kill yourself over things that are out of your control.

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