Gut Health Month

In an era where wellbeing is at the forefront of public consciousness, Gut Health Month takes centre stage this February with a focus on the intriguing interplay between mood and food, shining a spotlight on the fact there is growing evidence[i] to suggest maintaining a healthy gut is linked to improved mood, a fact that is unknown to nearly half (44%) of Australians.

Leading gut health dietitian, Nicole Dynan, says there is a growing body of high-quality evidence that shows what we eat profoundly affects not only our gut health, but also our mental and brain health.

"A recent YouGov survey[ii] uncovers some fascinating insights into Australians' perceptions of food and mood.  Nearly half of Australians (45%) describe their general weekly mood as neutral or unhappy," says Dynan.

"Women (51%) are less likely than men (59%) to feel happier in a typical week, and 33% of Aussies lack confidence in maintaining a gut-healthy diet to boost their mood".

The survey also revealed state-by-state mood disparities.  South Australian residents (26%) are more likely to be unhappier compared to those living in NSW (16%), VIC (14%), or QLD (9%).

Notably, millennials (28%) are more confident than Gen X (13%) and Baby Boomers (16%) in maintaining a gut-healthy diet to improve their mood.  Additionally, those who describe their mood as happy (80%) in a typical week are over twice as likely to be confident in maintaining a gut-healthy diet compared to those describing it as unhappy (37%).

"Your gut health plays a significant role in your overall wellbeing and mood.  Unfortunately, many are unaware of this crucial connection, which is why Gut Health Month is so important," says Dynan.

"This research is a wake-up call.  It's time for Australians to start taking their gut health seriously.  A healthy diet is a great first step you can take towards a healthier, happier you and seeing an Accredited Practising Dietitian is the best way to get personalised advice and support," adds Dynan.

YouGov Research Insights: The Emotional Landscape of a Nation

Mood Mosaic:  A staggering 45% of Australians divulge that their weekly mood swings toward the neutral or unhappy end of the spectrum.  Dynan says these findings highlight the need for Australians to take a closer look at how food influences our collective wellbeing.

Gendered Emotions:  The survey uncovers an intriguing gender divide, with 49% of women reporting less happiness in an average week compared to 41% of men.  Dynan says while eating a gut healthy diet is an overall objective, nuances for each individual should be explored with the support of an Accredited Practising Dietitian. 

Regional Blues:  Residents of South Australia reveal a higher propensity for discontent, with 26% expressing unhappiness, in contrast to counterparts in NSW (16%), VIC (14%), or QLD (9%).  Dynan says the regional variations spotlight the necessity for targeted health initiatives.

Underestimating the Power of a Healthy Diet:  Nearly half of all Australians (44%) do not recognise that eating a healthy diet may have a positive impact on their mood.  Dynan says this knowledge gap unveils a clear opportunity for widespread education on the intricate interplay between nutrition and mood.

Sleep: The Mood Elixir:  A whopping 66% of respondents identify adequate sleep as the paramount mood-enhancing factor, followed closely by spending time with loved ones (53%), and regular exercise (51%).  Dynan says these insights lay the foundation for comprehensive wellbeing strategies.

Confidence Conundrum:  The survey exposes a concerning reality - 33% of Australians, equivalent to approximately 6.6 million individuals, lack confidence in maintaining a gut-healthy diet to support their mood.   Dynan says this underscores the pressing need for accessible and empowering nutritional guidance from an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Generational Confidence:  Millennials emerge as frontrunners, with 28% expressing heightened confidence in maintaining a gut-healthy diet, compared to 13% of Gen X, and 16% of Baby Boomers.  Dynan recognises generational nuances pave the way for targeted interventions.

Happy Minds, Gut-Healthy Diets:  Of the survey recipients that reported a generally happy mood, (80%) are more than twice as likely to express confidence in sustaining a gut-healthy diet compared to those with an unhappy disposition (37%).  Dynan says given the emerging research linking food and mood, there is even more reasons for people to explore how improved gut health can positively impact their wellbeing.

Dynan adds: "The survey highlights a critical need for education on the gut-brain connection.  By understanding the power of nutrition to positively impact mood, Australians can take control of their wellbeing.

"Gut Health Month serves as a catalyst for change, empowering individuals to make informed choices for a healthier, happier life."

Nicole Dynan suggests Australians take the Gut Health Month 7-Day Gut Health Challenge.  The challenge provides practical advice on simple swaps to add a variety of fibres from plant foods like whole grain breads and legumes, probiotic choices like yoghurt, and tips to manage stress such as meditation or gut-directed hypnotherapy.

"First seek advice from your doctor to rule out any underlying problems, and then see an Accredited Practising Dietitian," says Dynan.

Head to guthealthmonth.com to learn more and to find a dietitian to guide you as you achieve good gut health.

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[i]    Berding K, Vlckova K, Marx W, Schellekens H, Stanton C, Clarke G, Jacka F, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Diet and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Sowing the Seeds of Good Mental Health. Adv Nutr. 2021 Jul 30;12(4):1239-1285. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmaa181. PMID: 33693453; PMCID: PMC8321864.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33693453/

[ii]   All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1,024 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13-18 December 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).