INSIDE Looking after your gut key to good health

One of the biggest challenges is that a one-size-fits-all approach to gut health doesn’t work, as everyone’s microbiota is unique. We know this after becoming guinea pigs for Professor Tim Spector and the Twin Research Department at King’s College London, when we took part in a ground-breaking piece of research.

As identical twins, we’re a great constant for medical research, and when taking part in Spector’s study we discovered that despite having 100 per cent the same DNA, we only have 30 to 40 per cent of the same microbiota, which may explain why our bodies behave so differently.

From learning more about how unique we (and our guts) are and the huge impact it has on health, we’ve made it our mission to empower you with evidence-based facts to enable you to make the best choices.

You may think your gut’s primary purpose is digestion. But the friendly bacteria play a vital role in keeping you well. For example, did you know that the majority of your immune system is in your gut? Think of your gut microbiota as teachers to your immune cells – you need good teachers for a welleducated, effective immune system. Major changes to your gut microbiota – whether through diet, lifestyle, stress or medication – can send your immune system into overdrive. This can cause inflammation, and long-term consequences include anything from mental health conditions to an increased risk of diabetes.

Your gut microbiota is made up of lots of different bacteria that work day and night to keep your body in check.

Most people are also unaware that about 90 per cent of the body’s happy hormone serotonin is produced in the gut, which is why inflammation can affect mental as well as physical health.

There’s an entire ecosystem of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast and fungi living in your gut – your gut microbiota. However, sometimes the balance can get out of