What weighs about two kilograms, hates antibiotics and controls everything from your poo to your mood? The colony of trillions of microbes in your gut, of course.
The human gut, often referred to as the body’s “second brain”, is a booming area of research. Scientists have discovered that the health of your gut – that is, the diversity and activity of the microbes living all along the digestive tract – has a huge impact on your overall health.
Together, your gut microbes regulate far more than just the digestive process – from immune system function and metabolic health to mental wellbeing and the risk of developing certain diseases, including diabetes and cancer.
Why now?
The conversation about gut health is key during a pandemic, as depression and anxiety levels spike. As registered nutritionist Claire Turnbull explains, the gut and brain are connected. “When you’re stressed, it impacts your bowel function, and vice versa,” she says. “Feeding your gut microbiome better can help improve your mood or impact the way you cope with stress,
