FORGET head over heart – Brits firmly believe in gut-first when making decisions, according to research.
The majority of adults in the UK – 70 per cent – always trust their instincts, with 35 per cent physically getting a "gut feeling" about situations, a poll of 2,000 has revealed.
Nearly one in five rely on their intuition tell them if something’s wrong when it comes to their health.
While TWO in five use this "gut-guru" to guide them when it comes to trusting a partner.
And 21 per cent think their gut will influence their dreams if it’s trying to tell them something.
But despite being ruled by this part of their anatomy, 36 per cent of Brits have no idea of the gut’s importance to overall wellbeing.
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Four in 10 could not explain the role diet plays in their own gut health – and only a measly seven per cent know how much fibre they should be eating to support it.
NHS doctor and registered associate nutritionist, Dr Joshua Wolrich, who is working with California Almonds which commissioned the research, said: “While there’s a lot we don’t know about the gut, we do know there’s trillions of bacteria living in it (our gut microbiota).
“Changes to the microbiota are associated with multiple health concerns, including heart disease, liver disease and diabetes.
“Food is its main fuel, so a balanced diet is critical and fibre is crucial to supporting healthy gut activity.
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“Research has found that eating almonds, a high fibre food, may improve the gut microbiome by increasing its diversity, while decreasing relative levels of potentially harmful bacteria.”
The study also found five in 10 adults are unaware of the common symptoms of an unhappy stomach, with 72 per cent failing to recognise disturbed sleep as a sign there could be something more seriously wrong.
Another 22 per cent have actually struggled to perform at work when they were having a digestive issue, and a quarter claimed not to want to socialise as often as before.
But the study carried out via OnePoll found having a healthy diet, sufficient water intake and quality sleep are some of the top ways to improve gut health.
DR JOSHUA WOLRICH’S TIPS TO HELP MAINTAIN A HEALTHY GUT:
Fill up on fibre
Fibre is essential for the normal functioning of the gut but according to government data only eight per cent of adults actually hit the recommended 30g a day target.
Why not try swapping your regular snack for a 30g handful of almonds or use them to top yoghurt, salads or curries to add an extra fibre boost?
Spice up your life
The more variety in your diet, the more variety in nutrients for your gut microbes.
Research has shown people who ate more than 30 different plant foods each week had a more diverse gut microbiome than those who ate 10 or fewer.
A successful sleep
The gut microbiome is influenced by circadian rhythms so not only does your gut impact your sleep quality, but poor sleep can also impact your gut microbiota.
Sticking to a regular sleep routine can help with your circadian rhythm and avoid any disruptions to your gut.
Hydrate to feel great
Staying hydrated benefits your whole body but it also plays a role in your gut health by aiding digestion; water helps break down food in your body so nutrients can be absorbed.
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