Gut health—how well your digestive system is functioning to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste—is trendy. But it’s grounded in science as research has shown that keeping your gut in good health is linked not only to an improved immune system but to better mental health. That’s because within your gut lies the gut microbiome, made up of trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi—and having a balanced microbiome can help regulate blood sugar, support digestion, and strengthen the immune system.
While people post frequently on social media about the importance of gut health and hacks to reduce bloating and “heal your gut,” what will actually support your digestive health is not always clear. It’s why we turned to nutrition expert and King’s College London professor of epidemiology Tim Spector, who has spent a substantial part of his research on the gut microbiome.
