Nutritionist Farzanah Nasser has urged Brits to go 'back to basics' when it comes to gut health - and it turns out many are turning to supplements first instead of whole foods
12:43, 10 Mar 2025
A woman eating healthy food
Guidance has been issued by a nutritionist on what we should be eating to stay healthy(Image: Getty)
A top nutritionist has made a call for Britons to revert to 'back to basics' for improving gut health. The plea comes as new research indicates that nearly half of the population feels swamped by the amount of advice on the topic.
Nutritionist Farzanah Nasser believes that in a world fixated on supplements and instant solutions, we've overlooked the simple, tried-and-tested means to aid our digestive system - through wholesome, natural foods that people have relished for generations. A report suggests that many individuals are opting for supplements before considering whole foods such as kefir, fresh fruits, and fibre-dense cereals, thus missing out on the advantages these enduring foods offer.
However, faced with an onslaught of mixed messages, many people remain uncertain about how to feed their gut in a way that is both natural and maintainable. Nasser's comments follow a survey involving 2,000 grown-ups which showed 55 percent are concerned about their gut health, but 37 percent feel lost on the steps to enhance it, reports Leicestershire Live.
Working alongside the natural gut health specialists at Biotiful Gut Health, who initiated the study, Farzanah Nasser stated: "It's great to see more Brits prioritising their gut health and understanding the transformative impact of gut health on overall wellbeing, however, it's time to go back to basics.
"The research reveals that a third of Brits are sceptical about the impact of natural, whole foods and lifestyle modifications on their gut health over time, with one in 10 confessing they resort to supplements for an instant solution. However, diet and lifestyle changes can be the most effective way to enhance gut health. Looking after your gut health doesn't have to be complex."
She said that incorporating more fermented foods like Kefir, which is teeming with live cultures, for 14 days, along with plant-based foods, could help boost the healthy bacteria in your gut. Instead of getting caught up in trends and quick fixes, we should prioritise a food-first approach to maintain a healthy digestive system and overall wellbeing.
The survey also discovered that 46 per cent find advice on gut health 'overwhelming', with only five per cent stating they never feel conflicted about what's best for them. Even though 68 per cent who research the topic trust medical professionals, they still harbour doubts about the best practices.
The study further revealed that only 22 per cent of those surveyed actively try to do something beneficial for their gut health daily, while 18 per cent never do so. Among those who do take action, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables (58 per cent) and fibre-rich foods (46 per cent) are the most popular methods.
Individuals are grappling with the challenges of boosting their gut health, and two key hurdles are lacking knowledge about effective methods (22 per cent) and maintaining consistency (16 per cent). Despite the confusion, 62 per cent of surveyed people recognise that gut health is crucial to mental well-being, as revealed by the statistics from OnePoll.com.
Nevertheless, 23 per cent acknowledge that their diet does little to promote a healthy digestive system. In addition to the discomfort, 34 per cent of those who have suffered stomach pain or unease concede that they sometimes or frequently shun social gatherings due to their symptoms.
Farzanah Nasser, a gut health advocate, said: "Maintaining a healthy gut is not just about digestion - gut health has a positive impact on almost every system in the body. 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."
Article continues below
She also noted that there's more to a healthy gut than physical health benefits. She said: "Beyond this, gut health can also be linked to improved sleep, better performance, energy, memory, focus, and skin."
Natasha Bowes, founder and CEO of Biotiful Gut Health, said her company has rolled out the two-week Gut Health Reset Challenge to encourage taking steps toward this goal. She said: "We believe in the power of whole, nutritious and natural foods to support overall health, starting with natural 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."