How nutritionists look after their guts

1Eat wholegrains every day

In comparison to 'white' or processed cereals, wholegrains retain all three parts of the grain: the bran (where most of the fibre is), the germ (where most of the nutrients are), and the endosperm (where much of the starch is). The inclusion of all of these parts makes wholegrains more nutrient-rich and higher in fibre than their processed counterparts.

In particular, wholegrains are a great source of insoluble fibre. This creates bulk and helps food to move through the gut, keeping the digestive system regular.

Emma enjoys a range of different wholegrain in her meals. “I try to use wholewheat pasta, brown rice, oats and rye – or if I'm feeling adventurous, I might experiment with more unusual varieties, such as spelt, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, and freekeh”.

2Add friendly bacteria

Probiotics are foods and supplements that contain cultures of live friendly bacteria. By eating more of the good variety, we can help re-establish a balance by helping to reduce potentially harmful bacteria.

Amy includes probiotic-rich foods in her daily diet. “Look for yogurts that list 'live and active cultures' on the label, or try including fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, kefir, kombucha, and tempeh”.

3Increase fruit and vegetable intake

We need both insoluble and soluble fibre in our diets for good gut health, and fruit and veggies are a great source of the soluble variety. This helps soften stools and ease constipation, as well as providing a vast array of nutrients that are important for good health.

Emma's top tip is to add fresh fruit to your morning porridge or cereal, pair a side salad with your lunchtime soup or sandwich, or snack on crudités throughout the day. “Get creative and aim to 'eat the rainbow' – the more variety, the better!”

4Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of fluids is very important for our digestive health as it helps to keep everything soft and moving regularly. Make sure you’re getting at least 8 glasses a day.

Amy says “People often tell me they don't like the taste of plain water and find it hard to drink the recommended number of glasses,” Amy says. “An easy tip is to add a flavour infusion such as slices of lemon, lime, mint or cucumber as a natural, low-calorie option. Alternatively, a splash of sugar-free squash can liven up your liquids, too.”

5Reduce alcohol intake

Drinking too much alcohol has been linked to numerous health issues, and gut health is no exception. Studies suggest that alcohol can cause inflammation in the gut when consumed in large amounts.