From gardening and humming to getting a dog – there’s more to boosting your gut microbiome than Greek yogurt
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hen the gut health revolution began a decade or so ago, few could have predicted the sheer variety of pre- and probiotic foods that we would come to embrace in our diets. From kimchi and natural yoghurt to fibre-rich jerusalem artichoke and probiotic shots, microbiome-nourishing foods and supplements once deemed left-field have become everyday essentials for many – with plenty of evidence that they help our gut bacteria to thrive.
While many of us assume that diet is the only way to feed the trillions of microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi and viruses) that make up the microbiome, there are myriad daily habits that can help nurture this important part of the body.
“Diet often takes centre stage in discussions about the gut microbiome, and rightly so – it plays a major role,” says Dr Emily Leeming, a scientist, dietitian and research fellow at King’s College London, and author of Genius Gut. “But it’s just one part of a much bigger picture. Our entire lifestyle – from stress levels and sleep quality to time spent outdoors – profoundly shapes our gut health. Everything we come into contact with can influence the ecosystem that lives there.”
