Microbiome
The microbiome is the collection of bacteria in your gut. They help digestion, train your immune system and make substances that influence your health.
Microbiome at a glance
For whom
Everyone; a varied, fibre-rich diet is the basis for a healthy gut flora.
Not for whom
Expensive microbiome tests and most probiotic pills add little for healthy people.
In practice
Eat varied and fibre-rich (vegetables, fruit, legumes, wholegrain); fermented food can help.
Key caveats
The science is still early; distrust firm claims and commercial tests.
Known
Not yet
What popular health podcasts claimed about the microbiome, checked against the research.
We follow the latest research on the microbiome and listen to leading health podcasts, and we check what they claim. You'll get one email on Thursdays with what matters, and only when there's something new.
You can add more topics later, such as exercise or sleep.