The gut-muscle link: why fermented foods could boost muscle health

Protein-rich fermented foods, such as kefir, cottage cheese and yoghurt, may be good for both the gut and the muscles. Mariya Surmacheva/ Shutterstock

Gut health and muscle health are often thought of as separate concerns. The first brings to mind eating fibre and probiotics, while the other centres on, exercise and protein.

But researchers are increasingly finding that the two may be connected through what is described as the “gut-muscle axis” – a two-way communication network between the gut and our muscles. This connection could be key when investigating whether foods that are good for gut health could also be beneficial for muscle health.