Take a journey down the alimentary canal
(Picture: John Nguyen / PA)Having a healthy gut microbiome helps to contribute to an all-round healthy body and mind but what does any of that mean?
A significant lack of knowledge on this important subject inspired Activia and media doctor Zoe Williams to launch the What the Gut? museum.
An immersive experience into all things related to the alimentary canal may sound a bit strange but, opening today (February 15) until tomorrow (February 16), the “Let’s get talking about our gut” initiative looks to demystify all things related to health.
The focus on gut health has steadily increased as numerous studies have found that maintaining a healthy gut can help to improve digestion and nutrient absorption, also lowering a person’s risk of disease, and even improving mental health.
The What the Gut Museum will further explore the vital role of the gut and how to best look after it.
An immersive experience at the What the Gut? museum
The gut is considered to be the second brain and is connected to the organ through nerves, and chemically through signals, which can travel between the two via the bloodstream.
Activia, in partnership with Dr Williams, launched the What’s the Gut? museum, a temporary pop-up on Greek Street, London.
The museum offers visitors an interactive, highly visual, and immersive experience while learning about the intricate gut system.
To give museum visitors a truly immersive experience, consumers will kick-start their journey by walking through the mouth-shaped entrance.
This will then take them through key components that make up the gut, including rooms and corridors designed as an oesophagus, stomach, and intestines.
From there, they’ll reach two distinct rooms – the first will educate them on the connections the gut has to the rest of the body, such as mind and mood, and in the other, a talk with Dr Zoe on the best ways to look after your gut.
How the gut works
Being more aware of your gut health comes as consumer research conducted by Activia found a serious lack of understanding when it comes to what its role is, how it functions, and how we can look after it.
It found that 82 per cent of adults agree it’s important to look after this part of the body but nearly 47 per cent don’t know where to start.
“The gut is such an important part of our body and does so much more than digestion, however, research has revealed a huge information gap when it comes to the gut,” said Dr Williams.
“Looking after it is fundamental and the What the Gut? museum provides an immersive way to learn more.”
Rachel Wright, head of marketing at Activia, added: “A healthy and happy gut makes you feel good from the inside out and ready to live life to the fullest.
“That’s why we wanted to create an immersive experience for the public to not only enjoy, but also learn more about the importance of gut health and the significant role it plays.”
How can I visit the What the Gut? museum?
Although there are no more online tickets available, the museum website says that they are still accepting walk-ins.
Admission is free and the museum, at 59 Greek Street W1D 3DZ, was open from noon to 5.30pm today, and will reopen tomorrow (Thursday, February 16) at 9am, closing at 5.30pm.
Visit the Activia What the Gut? Museum website for further details.
