Inside the trend - gut health
For people still clinging on to new year health goals, there is one wellness trend that could stick around for a while, and that is the recent focus on gut health.
We investigate why more people are seeking out natural ways to improve their gut health and how publishing is responding.
What’s it all about?
Health and nutrition experts have been saying for some time that our guts are central to our overall health, linking the balance of our gut bacteria, yeast and viruses – otherwise known as microbiome - to everything from our immunity to our mental health. Scientists agree that taking all the usual measures, such as exercising more, increasing fruit and veg intake and cutting back on processed foods can influence our gut bacteria positively, but lesser-known tips, for example consuming probiotics and fermented foods, can help too.
Why now?
A decade ago, little was known about the microorganisms that live in our gut, but the scientific community is starting to take this seriously. Results from a significant international study, PREDICT, started by Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, identified strong links between a person’s diet, the microbes in their gut and their health. And the evidence is growing.
With chronic bowel conditions, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome on the rise in the UK, it’s not surprising that this is an area of health that has found mainstream appeal. Channel 4 has been broadcasting Know Your S***: Inside our Guts and the TikTok universe is full of #GutTok content, serving up remedies – not all scientifically backed – to boost gut microbiome balance.
How can I incorporate it into my ranges?
This has broad appeal across the generations. With scientific backing, gut health is a wellness trend that has the potential to catch the attention of even the most committed sceptic. The link to diet creates an opening in food and drink ranges to include recipes that specifically target our guts, and there are some attractive, quality cookbooks already selling well in this space. Links to gut health and clear skin also makes this topic work within beauty product ranges.
Book suggestions
The Gut Loving Cookbook
This practical cookbook was popular at our recent trade show outings. It offers lots of accessible recipes for people who are interested in nurturing their gut health.
Food for Life
The latest book from Tim Spector, the British epidemiologist at the forefront of microbiome research, draws from decades of studies to share what he believes we should all know about the food we eat.
The Beauty Chef Gut Guide
Carla Oates offers a 28-day programme for repairing and reprogramming your gut and improving your skin and wellbeing. Oates stumbled upon a link between skin and gut health when she improved her daughter’s eczema and allergies after changing the family’s diet.
Ferment from scratch
Experts concur that many fermented foods can bolster the gut microbiome, so this book is great for people who are curious about trying out recipes that harness the transformative power of fermentation.
Leon Happy Guts
The popular Leon Happy series turns attention to gut health in this attractive recipe book that doesn’t scrimp on flavour.
