Boost gut health and brain chemistry with one superfruit, doctor says
People aiming to improve their gut health and brain function "overnight" must reach for one superfruit, a nutrition expert has urged.
Dr William Li, who specialises in diet and wellness, explained that eating one kiwi a day offers a myriad of health benefits as an effective and cheap alternative to expensive supplements.
The doctor outlined the wide-ranging impacts of a healthy diet during an interview with clean living guru Kate Middleton, who hosts the 'Toxic Free with KB ' podcast.
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Dr Li said: "Well, you eat foods that have fibre and polyphenols, prebiotics, and this had been studied. We now know how quickly it can work. Kiwifruit. A great source of vitamin C but also a great source of dietary fibre."
He added: "We know, and this is from human research, that if you eat even one kiwi a day and you measure your gut bacteria from your poop, just eating one kiwi a day will, overnight, improve your gut microbiome."
The doctor stressed that improving your diet is the best way to boost your overall health quickly and effectively, Surrey Live reports. He revealed that your gut health is in fact linked to your brain chemistry, meaning that what you eat also impacts your mood, cognition, and behaviour.
Dr Li also praised kiwis for the speed at which they work their magic on the body. "This result is fast," he said, adding, "have a kiwi, you can actually heal [the gut] back up and it's as quick as starting overnight."
For those who want to promote their gut health even further, the NHS recommends eating a balanced intake of fruits and vegetables. The health authority also says that wholemeal bread, brown rice, beans, and oats can improve the stomach's microbiome.
This advice echoes Dr Li's own insights on the crucial role of fibre in our diet. The NHS stresses: "It's a good idea to try to eat more fibre or roughage, as most people in the UK do not get enough. A diet rich in fibre can help digestion and prevent constipation. Aim for the recommended dietary intake of 30g of fibre a day."
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