Feel better in 5

Big changes start with simple steps. Try these ideas to help you improve your wellbeing

Simple steps you can do now to improve your wellbeing

GUT A GRIP Taming tummy troubles can have a big impact on your health

As well as being uncomfortable, an unhealthy gut can have serious side effects, with research showing digestive health influences everything from mood to your risk of heart disease. Your gut bacteria can even determine how easily you lose weight. “Plus, just as certain aspects of diabetes can impact how healthy your gut is, we also know bad gut bacteria can make it harder to manage diabetes,” says Rachel Freeman, from the Australian Diabetes Educators Association.

“So it’s a vicious circle.” A good place to start a makeover is by eating more fibre. In a

2013 study, people who ate a high-fibre diet for six weeks improved their gut bacteria and had a better chance of maintaining a healthy weight. “The diet that’s good for diabetes is good for gut health,” says Freeman. “So highfibre, low-GI foods.” Aim for 35g a day; a 2014 study showed that had a positive impact on gut bacteria.