We Polled the Nation on their Gut Habits

Healthy habits can affect your gut. We surveyed the nation to find out which regions in the UK are home to the best and worst gut health habits. Click on a region to find out how habits vary and what we found out about their guts!

We Found That...

 

Our Survey Reveals

  • Yorkshire has the worst gut-health habits in the UK, consuming the least fruit and veg, water, nuts, and fermented foods.
  • Scotland and people in London get closest to five-a-day, with Londoners also tucking into the most fermented foods.
  • Londoners came top for hydration, drinking an average of five glasses of water per day – not quite matching the recommended guidelines of six to eight
  • A fifth of those living in Wales reported suffering from bloating a few times per week, whereas 28% in the West Midlands saying they never struggle with it.
  • Those in the North East are the most gassiest with 26% suffering daily – more than twice as many as those in Scotland (12%).
  • Scots are the worst for toilet habits – with 36% saying their poo habits are never consistent.

A Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet which includes lots of colourful plant-foods such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, beans, chickpeas, lentils, herbs and spices helps to improve gut microbiota which is in turn essential for supporting good gut (and overall) health.

 

What contributes to a healthy gut can often be forgotten or misunderstood – as most of us associate this with eating lots of fibre but, in truth, every type of food group plays a part.

– Professor Glenn Gibson from Reading University

Good Gut Health

Maintaining good gut health is essential to overall wellbeing, as it impacts everything from digestion and nutrient absorption to immune function, and even mental health. Focusing on a balanced diet rich in fibre, fermented foods, and hydration, can support the gut microbiome and enjoy better energy, mood, and long-term health. We’re encouraging the UK to make small changes which can have a positive impact on overall wellbeing and gut health. Take the quiz to find out if your habits keep your gut bacteria happy.

Find Out More About the Gut