Leading nutritionist Farzanah Nasser has urged Brits to embrace traditional eating habits as a recent study revealed that almost half of the adults feel ‘overwhelmed’ by the barrage of advice on how to maintain good gut health.
Farzanah argues that in our quest for quick solutions, we’ve neglected the most straightforward and beneficial methods of supporting our guts—clean, natural foods that have been staples of our diet for generations.
Rather than opting for whole foods like kefir, fresh fruit, and fibre-rich grains, many are turning to supplements and consequently miss out on the wholesome benefits that these time-honoured foods provide.
According to a recent study, 55 per cent of adults are troubled by their gut health, but 37 per cent feel uncertain about how to improve it.
A total of 46 per cent consider the guidelines for gut health ‘overwhelming’, and even though 68 per cent have researched the matter, they remain unclear about which method is most effective.
Nutritionist Farzanah Nasser IFMCP, who has partnered with natural gut health specialists Biotiful Gut Health—the commissioners of the study—notes it’s positive that people are taking more interest in their gut health but stresses the importance of getting ‘back to the basics’.
“Supporting your gut health does not need to be complicated,” says Nasser, “the most effective way to improve gut health can be through diet and lifestyle.”
“Including more fermented foods, such as Kefir, which is rich in live cultures, for 14 days, alongside plants, could be beneficial to increasing healthy bacteria in your gut.”
Nasser advocates for prioritising a food-first mindset over quick fixes, adding, “we should take a food-first approach to support a healthy digestive system, and our overall wellbeing.”
The survey highlighted that while two thirds acknowledge poor gut health can impact mental health, only 22 per cent are actively trying to bolster their gut wellness.
“Maintaining a healthy gut is not just about digestion – gut health has a positive impact on almost every system in the body,” Nassar remarked.
“By improving our gut health, we can experience benefits ranging from stronger immunity, reduced bloating, better weight management, to improved mood and lower anxiety and stress.”
Biotiful Gut Health’s founder and CEO Natasha Bowes, whose company initiated the two-week Gut Health Reset Challenge, articulated her belief in using whole, nutritious and natural foods as the foundation for good gut health.
“A healthy gut is a catalyst for good overall health and wellbeing, and natural, fermented kefir can play a huge role in achieving this balance.
“While supplements can play a role in health, they should complement, not replace, real nutrition.”