Time to spring clean your TUMMY

Improve your digestive wellbeing and your general health too with these expert tips

- ALI HORSFALL

Bloating, stomach cramps and excess wind are clear signs your tummy needs TLC, but the impact of a dodgy gut goes much further. In fact, research shows that there’s a complex connection between our digestive system and overall health, and scientists now know that a happy tum improves wellbeing. Surprisingly, as much as 70% of our immunity is located in the gut and 90% of our ‘feel-good hormone’ serotonin is produced there too.

‘Everything from our brain and sleep patterns to digestion and our immune system is healthier when we have a healthy gut,’ explains Lola Biggs, dietitian at Together Health. ‘The gut microbiome is home to your diverse gut flora, made up of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms – both friendly and unfriendly – so maintaining the right balance is important.’

Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep things running smoothly. Here’s how to give your gut health an overhaul.

What harms gut health?

1. One study found significant changes in the gut flora of cigarette smokers. Get help to quit.

2. A heavy alcohol intake can result in an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the gut, so reduce the amount that you drink.

3. Some medicines such as antibiotics may affect the diversity of the gut. Talk to your GP.

4. The make-up of your gut microbiome is linked to sleep quality, so don’t skimp on shut-eye.