Your gut influences digestion, hormones & immunity. Boots Health Hub has advice, information & products to help you manage your gut & digestive health
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Let’s help you understand digestive health
Digestive health is about how well your body breaks down food, absorbs nutrients and gets rid of waste. When your digestive system is working properly, you’re more likely to feel well overall, with less issues like bloating or indigestion. Many factors impact your digestive health, from what you eat to your lifestyle and stress levels.
What is gut health?
Gut health focuses on your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where food is digested and nutrients are absorbed. Often, gut health also refers to the bacteria living in your gut, known as the gut microbiome.
A healthy gut is linked to better digestion, supports normal immune system function and has a potential positive influence on your brain and mood.
The gut microbiome includes trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that live in your intestines.
These tiny helpers are key for digesting food and supporting your immune function. From diarrhoea tablets to supplements, here at Boots, we have products and advice to support your digestive and gut health.
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Your feel 'gut' health content
Taboo talks: Gut health Q&A, your 101 on proactive gut health, featuring the Mac Twins
In this bonus Q&A episode, Alana and Lisa Macfarlane, aka the Mac Twins & founders of The Gut Stuff, will reveal how to ensure your gut is in the best shape to keep both body & mind as healthy as possible.
They’ll be covering all the basics, so, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering what exactly the gut is, why it matters, or whether you should download a poo-colour chart (answer: probably), then trust your gut & tune in.
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Frequently asked questions
To help keep your digestive system healthy, try to:
- Eat a balanced diet – include lots of different high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which help to keep things moving smoothly
- Stay hydrated – drinking plenty of water can support digestion and help prevent constipation
- Exercise regularly – physical activity can help improve digestion and reduce bloating
- Manage stress – everyday stress can affect digestion, so practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle exercise can help
- Avoid trigger foods – if you notice certain foods cause discomfort, it’s a good idea to limit or avoid them
Making small, steady changes to your daily routine can support your digestive health and leave you feeling your best. To learn more, take a look at our guide on looking after your digestive health.
Poor digestion can cause a range of symptoms, which may include:
- Bloating – feeling full or swollen in the abdomen
- Heartburn – a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating
- Constipation – difficulty passing poo or infrequent bowel movements
- Diarrhoea – loose or watery poo that might be more frequent than usual
- Gas – excessive wind or flatulence
- Abdominal pain – discomfort or cramps in the stomach area
- Nausea – feeling sick, especially after eating
It can be normal to experience some of these symptoms occasionally, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have poor digestion. However, if you’re noticing these symptoms more frequently or you’re worried about any digestive issues, it’s important to speak to your GP. They can help identify any underlying causes and offer advice or treatment to support your digestive health.
Poor digestion can have many causes, and it’s often influenced by a combination of lifestyle choices and underlying health conditions. Common factors that might contribute to digestive issues include:
- A diet high in processed foods, low in fibre or rich in fatty or fried foods
- High levels of everyday stress
- A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle
- Not drinking enough water
- Certain medications
- Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
It’s important to remember that occasional digestive discomfort is normal and can often be managed with simple lifestyle adjustments. However, if you’re frequently experiencing digestive issues or are worried about any specific symptoms, you should speak to your GP.
Improving your gut health can help to support digestion, your immune system, and contribute to overall well-being. Here are some helpful steps:
- Eat a balanced, high-fibre diet which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Consider including fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi
- Avoid too many highly processed foods like high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar (HFSS) processed foods
- Exercise regularly
- Take steps to manage everyday stress, like practising mindfulness, yoga or deep breathing
While the idea of a ‘gut reset’ sounds appealing, it's not entirely possible to completely reset your gut health. Instead, you can focus on supporting and improving your gut health over time through consistent, healthy lifestyle habits.
We’ve put together a guide to help you support your gut health and improve your digestion.
Improving your gut health is about creating sustainable, long-term habits rather than looking for quick fixes. If you have continuous gut health issues or worries, it’s important to speak to a GP.
Leaky gut, sometimes referred to as intestinal permeability, is a term used to describe the idea that the gut lining may become less effective at acting as a barrier. Normally, the gut lining allows nutrients to pass through while blocking harmful substances like toxins and bacteria.
However, it’s suggested that in some cases, gaps in the gut lining might let unwanted particles ‘leak’ into the bloodstream, potentially leading to inflammation and other health concerns.
While it’s not officially recognised as a medical diagnosis, some research links leaky gut to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, and autoimmune diseases.
More research is needed to fully understand leaky gut and its potential impact on health.
If you’re worried about your gut health or you have symptoms affecting your everyday life, you can speak to your GP for support and advice.
*By clicking Get Started, we're taking you to Crohn’s & Colitis UK. Any information you provide will be subject to Crohns & Colitis UK privacy and security policy
** Vitabiotics Probiotis Extra Strength. Features Lab4, the group of gut bacteria with the most comprehensive research in the UK. With calcium which contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes. Includes 7 strains of broad-spectrum high quality live cultures.
Rennie Deflatine for relief of heartburn and indigestion always read the label
Boots Good Gut contains Calcium. Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.
***Code Boots10 will give Boots customers an additional £10 off at check out for the Premium Food Intolerance Test, Junior Food Intolerance Test, Food & Environmental Allergy Test & Annual Health Test. Offer is available from 31 December 2024 to 31 March 2025. Subject to availability.
3Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria apply.
