The study of 2,000 adults has revealed the UK areas home to residents with, on average, the best and worse gut health habits
Yorkshire has been identified as having the poorest gut-health habits in the UK, consuming the least amount of fruit and veg, water, nuts, and fermented foods.
A survey of 2,000 people revealed which regions have residents with, on average, the best and worst gut health habits.
Scots and people in London get closest to five-a-day, with Londoners also tucking into the most fermented grub. They also came out top for hydration, drinking an average of five glasses of water per day.
The results showed that a fifth of those living in Wales experienced bloating a few times a week, while 28% in the West Midlands never had this issue.
Residents from the North East were found to be the gassiest, with 26% suffering daily – more than double the number in Scotland.
Scots were also found to have the poorest toilet habits, with 36% stating their bowel movements were never consistent.
The study was commissioned by Yakult, who collaborated with Professor Glenn Gibson from Reading University. He commented: “It’s fascinating to see how diets and daily habits vary so much across the UK.”
“What contributes to a healthy gut can often be forgotten or misunderstood as many people just associate this with eating lots of fibre but, in truth, every type of food group plays a part.”
“Having regular bowel movements and getting the right amount and quality of sleep are also other things that help maintain a healthy gut and overall lifestyle.”
Professor Gibson emphasised the significance of getting enough sleep, suggesting: “Getting less than the recommended 7-9 hours of quality sleep not only leaves us tired, but also disrupts our body’s natural rhythm.”
“[This] impacts the bacteria in our gut this being a very active community of microbes that has profound impacts upon our overall health and wellbeing. Disturbances in sleep patterns can adversely affect the gut microbiota, which could hamper digestive health.”
The study revealed that 36% of Brits rated their overall gut health as ‘average’, with the average person consuming four portions of fruit or veg on a typical day.
However, only 35% included nuts in their daily diet, and when it came to hydration, 35% of those surveyed via OnePoll.com confessed they were guilty of not drinking enough fluids.
Professor Gibson explained that consuming a variety of colourful foods supports gut health: “Fruits, 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.”
“It is also worth adding fermented foods into your diet as well as keeping hydrated as water is essential and will improve almost every bodily process including digestion.”
“Enough water intake is crucial to help food move effectively through the digestive system, helping to prevent constipation and facilitate nutrient availability.”
A candid 37% admitted to not doing the recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day, with 35% confessing they spend long periods either sitting or lying down.
“Exercise can help stimulate the digestive system promoting more efficient digestion and help alleviate symptoms like bloating and constipation,” Professor Gibson added.
“Just 30 minutes a day is needed and can be incorporated into your everyday routine such as walking, cleaning or gardening.”
A spokesperson for Yakult stated: “Maintaining good gut health is essential to overall well-being, as it impacts everything from digestion and nutrient absorption to immune function and even mental health.”
“By focusing on a diet rich in fibre, fermented foods, and hydration, people can support their gut microbiome and enjoy better energy, mood, and long-term health.”
“We are encouraging the nation to make small changes which can have a powerful influence on gut health and overall wellbeing.”
