Hands up who’s in their gut health era? Yes, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last two years, you will already be familiar with the term ‘gut-brain axis’ – but, aside from scarfing down fibre smoothies and ferments for days, do you really know how it all works? Like, really really?

Plus, with summer just around the corner – and all the summer events that can throw our bodies completely off kilter – it’s essential that we’re clued up about how to safeguard our gut health before the social calendars start to blow up (in the best possible way). 

To help you get ahead of things, we spoke to Dr Emma Derbyshire, public health nutritionist and advisor to PrecisionBiotics®, to get a steer on what the gut-brain axis is and what specific things we can do to improve it in time for summer…

“We now know more about the gut-brain axis than ever before,” says Derbyshire. 

“This is a concept that refers to the connection between the gut and the brain that takes place in a bidirectional relationship, which means that the gut can influence the brain and vice versa. This is linked together by the combined actions of the nervous system, the immune system and gut microbiota.”

“The relationship between these elements can be improved by looking after our gastrointestinal function and our brains. We can do this through a variety of means.” 

“A healthy lifestyle which includes important nutritional components is one of these. Other factors such as sleeping well, managing stress, regular exercise and hydration can also influence the health of the gut.”

However, while most of us are very good at managing a more mindful daily routine, when the warmer weather hits, it’s easy to fall off the wellness wagon. From holidays abroad to hitting the summer festival circuit (and eating awful festival food), it’s quite often our gut that pays the price of this overindulgence. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

According to Derbyshire, nutrition is a good starting point:

“Eating more dietary fibre and fermented foods – such as kefir, miso, and yoghurt – while limiting the consumption of foods high in sugars and synthetic ingredients may help to strengthen the gut section of the gut-brain axis.”

“Including polyphenols in our diets from foods such as berries, dark chocolate and green and herbal teas, is another great hack. If you’re booked to go away on holiday, then reducing caffeine and alcohol in the run up can help reduce gut bacteria disruptions.

“Also, consider high-quality probiotic (bacteria) supplement such as from the scientifically proven PrecisionBiotics® Alflorex® range. Plus, they don’t need to be kept in a refrigerator, so handy and convenient to carry with you.

“The Alflorex® Dual Action Daily Gut & Brain Health Supplement contains around 1 billion live friendly bacteria from the renowned Bifidobacterium longum strains, combined with calcium and selected B vitamins, which may help to maintain the gut microbiota balance.”

“A healthy microbiome also has the ability to maintain the gut barrier which aids nutrient absorption. The British Dietetic Association recommends taking bacteria supplements for at least four weeks in order for them to start working via the gut-brain axis. This will also begin to reset other systems within the body.”

So, if you have that big destination wedding or festival booked, then give yourself a month’s prep time to boost the gut-brain axis with a bacteria supplement. This due diligence will be invaluable in trying to reduce those trademark summer tummy troubles.

“Also, pack some gut-supporting snacks for your travels such as fermented snacks, nuts or prebiotic fibre bars,” Derbyshire adds.

And it goes without saying that water is another stomach saviour, especially if you’re in a hot country or dehydrated due to alcohol consumption. 

“Water is especially important as is can help to aid digestion and gut motility, so prevents the likes of constipation,” says Derbyshire. “Drinking water regularly can help to improve stool form and help to keep bowel habits regular.”

So there you have it – some essential packing list tips and tricks to keep your tummy happy all summer long. Plus, shop your perfect PrecisionBiotics® supplement below (for optimum gut-brain comms, yes even if you’re dancing around in a field to your favourite band). 

To shop the full PrecisionBiotics® range, visit precisionbiotics.co.uk