Gut Health After 40: Why Your Microbiome Matters
By
Your gut is more than digestion
Gut health has become one of wellness's biggest talking points.
And underneath the marketing hype is genuinely fascinating science.
Your digestive tract is home to a complex ecosystem of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome.
Research indicates that the microbiome changes with age and is influenced by factors including diet, medication, physical activity and other aspects of lifestyle.
But supporting your gut doesn't require turning food into a science experiment.
Start with fibre
One of the simplest places to start is something many people already know they should eat more of:
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fibre.
Different plant foods provide different types of fibre and other compounds that interact with our gut environment.
Rather than obsessing over one “gut health superfood”, think:
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vegetables
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fruit
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whole grains
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legumes
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nuts
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seeds
Variety matters.
Think diversity, not perfection
A healthy diet doesn't need to look perfect seven days a week.
A more sustainable goal is gradually increasing the variety of plant foods you eat and building them into meals you genuinely enjoy.
Your microbiome is responsive to dietary and lifestyle factors, which is one reason researchers are increasingly interested in the relationship between nutrition, the microbiome and healthy ageing.
What about bloating?
Bloating is common, but that doesn't mean it should automatically be blamed on your microbiome.
Digestive symptoms can have many causes.
If bloating is persistent, painful, worsening, accompanied by changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, bleeding or anything else concerning, speak with your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional.
Four foundations for gut health
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Eat more variety.
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Prioritise fibre-rich foods.
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Drink enough fluid.
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Move your body regularly.
Then build from there.
Gut health and Thrive Beyond 40
Our approach isn't to treat every digestive concern with another product.
Instead, we encourage people to look at their broader nutritional foundations first.
For members wanting additional targeted nutritional support, Gut Foundations sits alongside our Balance foundation.
We also offer an option for people interested in exploring their gut health through testing.