IN MY OPINION... GUT BACTERIA ARE THE FUTURE

OUR understanding of our gut bacteria — the microbiome — continues to grow in leaps and bounds. The latest revelations that caught my eye concern the relationship between these bacteria and the central nervous system: it seems our gut bacteria may have a profound effect on the brain, both positive and negative.

For instance, recent animal studies have suggested a link between the microbiome and anxiety and depression. Another very exciting area of research is Alzheimer’s disease. Research published late last year in Nature found that patients with dementia had less diverse gut bacteria.

A note of caution, however, because what’s not clear is whether this is cause or effect. So we cannot say that taking probiotics (good bacteria) in supplement form will have any impact on brain health.

But I’ve no doubt that there is going to be ever greater focus on food as medicine. And on what we allow into our bodies, from drugs to environmental chemicals — not least because of their potential impact on our microbiome. Our guts are set to play the key role in the next health revolution.