Few topics have migrated from science journal to lifestyle magazine quite as effectively as gut health. But between social media ‘hacks’ and scientific jargon, it can feel impossible to navigate. Allow us to take you on a tour of yours
Perhaps it was a stomach-inknots work week. Or maybe it was a series of not-so-solid bowel movements. Despite the specific circumstances that left you with questions, you’re not the only one looking to gut health for answers.
Gut health-focused products are top of mind for consumers, according to the International Food Information Council’s 2023 trend forecast survey.
And gut health is a sought-after benefit when shopping for products such as wellness drinks and supplements. Over on social media, there’s a community obsessed with healing your gut, with some users peddling unproven interventions, from DIY wellness shots to gut cleanses. (#Guttok videos on TikTok have 1bn views, while #guthealth has more than 5m posts on Instagram.)
Yes, the functioning of your gut is important. But wellness fanatics, in many instances, have overcomplicated things. What we do know is that researchers and medical professionals are continuing to find that strong gut health goes way beyond digestion; you’ve got an entire colony of microbes inside that all have a role in everything from immunity to heart health and mood.
What’s more, working to improve your microbiome isn’t necessarily the answer to every single health woe… And not everyone has a gut problem in the first place. ‘As with everything else in health, I have to issue caution,’ says Will Bulsiewicz, gastroenterologist and author of The Fiber Fueled Cookbook. ‘There are hyperbolic, ridiculous claims on the internet regarding the gut.’
As it turns out, you can do most of your guthealth heavy lifting with some well-planned nutrition, sleep and stress-management interventions that are both free of charge and influential enough to make a difference to your daily wellbeing. Consider this your no-BS guide.
Is it normal?
First, a little perspective. ‘We all get bloated or have indigestion sometimes,’ says Dr Bulsiewicz. ‘It doesn’t mean that every time we’re bloated, we have a gastrointestinal problem and need to be concerned.’ What is worrisome is that the issue may be chronic, which generally means that ‘it’s a condition that lasts three months or longer and may require medical treatment or limit activities of daily living,’ says gastroenterol
