We know that gut health plays a crucial role in everything from digestion to immunity, weight management, and even mental well-being. But what does looking after your gut actually look like in practice?In this episode, I’m again joined by Dr James Kinross a senior lecturer in colorectal surgery and consultant surgeon at Imperial College London, he’s a researcher, and author of Dark Matter, to explore the science behind our gut microbiome—and how we can take actionable steps to support it every single day.🔍 Key Topics We Cover:Should everyone be doing a gut microbiome test?Are daily probiotics necessary, or is food enough?Can our gut bacteria influence how easily we lose weight?What’s the link between stress, mood, and our microbes?Does a healthy gut help us live longer?But rather than just theory, today’s episode is all about practical strategies. We walk through what an ideal gut-health day looks like—from the moment you wake up to your morning routine, commute, meals, work stressors, and even how you wind down at night. Dr. Kinross breaks down:✔ The best foods to start your day for optimal gut function✔ What supplements to take (or avoid) for microbiome health✔ How movement, stress, and even pollution affect your gut✔ Why gut bacteria plays a role in breaking down food, recycling nutrients, and producing essential compounds✔ How gut health shifts across different life stages—from newborns to aging adultsWe also dive into some big health questions, including:🧠 The gut-brain connection – how microbes influence serotonin, dopamine, and mood💊 Post-antibiotic recovery – what to do if you’ve just finished a round of antibiotics⚖️ Weight control – how gut microbes affect appetite, fat burning, and metabolism🦠 Cancer risk – why are cases of bowel cancer rising in younger people?If you’ve ever wondered how to support your gut and why it matters, this is the episode for you.🎬 Watch the podcast on YouTube here📱 Download The Doctor’s Kitchen app🌐 View full show notes, including guest details, on our website☕️ Try Exhale Coffee here🥗 Join the newsletter and receive a 7 day meal plan📷 Follow on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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