Importance Of Gut Health
EL Singapore|June 2021
We talk to Dr Elizabeth Biggs about the importance of gut health, and how she went from practising Western medicine to co-founding a Singapore-incorporated probiotic company.
Amy Greenburg
Importance Of Gut Health

Gut health wasn’t a “thing” 20 years ago when Elizabeth was studying medicine at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Though the link between gut health and mood has certainly been known for some time, it’s only in recent years that researchers have really begun to understand how much of an impact a healthy digestive system can have on one’s overall wellbeing.

“It’s really a new frontier, much like the revolution around the human genome,” says Elizabeth. “To consider that the microbial world that resides on us and within us has impacts far beyond the gut wall is really quite staggering from a medical perspective. This is an incredibly exciting area, not only for the researchers in the field, but also for the implications for clinical medicine.”

She says that, while Western medicine traditionally approaches the body from a pathological viewpoint and considers the body in distinct organ systems, Eastern medicine takes a more holistic approach, viewing the body as a whole and the interconnections between body systems.

“Modern medicine has an incredible arsenal at its disposal, which is life-saving. But, we need to do more to stay healthier for longer,” she says. “We need to ask more why questions and target lifestyle and diet to help prevent ill-health.”

A personal health journey

It’s these “why” questions that got Elizabeth interested in exploring a more holistic approach to health. She was struggling with chronic migraines, recurrent yeast infections and poor concentration, and needed answers. Her instinct told her it was diet-related and, after conversations about gut health with her doctor and a lot of research, she decided to make some changes.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EL SINGAPOREView all
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Expat Living Singapore

Perfect Pearly Whites!

Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than "hello" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Save your Spine at Work!
Expat Living Singapore

Save your Spine at Work!

Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Expat Living Singapore

Curry, Spice & Everything Nice

Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
Expat Living Singapore

Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?

SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Expat Living Singapore

Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji

Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Festive Fashion Show!
Expat Living Singapore

Festive Fashion Show!

As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
48 Hours in Patong
Expat Living Singapore

48 Hours in Patong

CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Ticket to Thailand
Expat Living Singapore

Ticket to Thailand

Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Laying Out Memories Through Food
Expat Living Singapore

Laying Out Memories Through Food

YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
A Musical Community
Expat Living Singapore

A Musical Community

The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024