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We tend to be more aware of aspects of our health that we can see – but your gut, and how you look after it this summer, could have a bigger impact than you think. “Although we can’t see our gut, it does influence the way that our bodies look on the outside as well,” said GP Dr Zoe Williams, one of the resident doctors on ITV’s This Morning. The health of our gut isn’t just about digestion, either. It’s closely linked to just about every system in the body, including skin, immunity, mood, and weight management, Williams explained. Signs of poor gut health can include bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal discomfort. However there maybe less obvious signs too, Williams noted, such as general fatigue, feeling sluggish, low or lacking in energy, or your skin feeling unhealthy. According to new research by Activia, 82% of Brits agree it’s important to look after gut health, but nearly a half (47%) don’t know where to start. There’s growing evidence around the links between general health and the gut, and experts believe getting good sleep and regular exercise play a part. But, what else do you need to know? Gut health, weight and diet “Gut microbiome – the community of largely bacteria but also other microbes, like viruses, fungi, parasites that live in our gut – produce chemical signals which communicate with our brain and other parts of our body, and actually can send hunger signals as well,” said Williams, 43. “The make up of that microbiome can even influence hunger and food choices. “If we feed our gut microbiome well – with a diet that’s high in fibre with a diverse range of different types of plant fibres, including as many different varieties of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes as possible – those ‘gut bugs’ actually ferment fibre on our behalf, because humans can’t digest certain types of fibre.” Gut health and stress In our modern lives, we tend to have micro-doses of stress many times throughout the day, every day, Williams noted: “And as human beings, we’re not adapted to deal with that very well”. She using breathing techniques to stay calm during her work as a GP. “When we’re in that calm side of our nervous system (the parasympathetic), our body is better able to digest our food. Breathing exercises are something people can do multiple times a day. And it’s something I do between patients actually, I often do box breathing.” With this method, you breathe in for four counts, hold your breath for four counts, exhale for four counts, and then hold after your exhale for another four counts. It’s a two-way street when it comes to stress and the gut – and improving your diet can also help with stress. “The gut and the brain are physically connected by a nerve called the vagus nerve, [which] sends chemical messages to each other,” Williams added. “By making changes to improve your diet in order to try and support your gut microbiome, that in itself can actually also have an impact on on stress.” Summer travel can play havoc When it comes to travel, Williams said: “Some people are more affected than others, but it can really upset the gut.” From different time zones and foods, to having more alcohol and the effects of flying, it’s no surprise if you get more gut symptoms abroad. “I’m absolutely not the sort of person to say, ‘Don’t have a glass of wine or don’t have those extra croissants’, but you can try and combat it but making sure you’re really well hydrated and making sure you’re still getting in lots of fruit and vegetables,” Williams added. And if you’re travelling to a different time zone? “Try and get onto that time zone earlier. Sometimes people stay on a UK time until their second day, but if you can start living life according to the time zone you’re travelling to before you set off, your gut is more likely to adapt to that.” The power of a good diet Guts are creatures of habit, so while you may want to overhaul your diet, it’s a good idea to make changes gradually. “They don’t really like things to change too quickly, and they thrive when we have a very regular eating pattern and a good window of fasting, so it’s best to try not eat for at least two hours, ideally three hours before you go to bed at night,” suggested Williams. The main way to improve gut health is increasing dietary fibre intake – with a focus on variety. “We should be able to get 30 grams of fibre a day, and less than 10% of us actually manage that,” said Williams. “If you do it regularly, it can make a huge difference”. Switch up everyday staples – like white rice for brown rice, or kidney beans for mixed beans. “Include probiotics in your diet, yoghurts and kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, certain types of cheeses… you can use kombucha to make a salad dressing,” she added. “In summer, with the warmer weather, berries can really support your gut health. I love to eat berries in the summer.” Hydration also plays a part Williams continued: “If you’re eating lots of fibre and all the right types of foods, and you’re putting some probiotic foods in there, your body requires enough water to do the mechanical action of breaking it all down, and then to help it travel through the gut in the way that it should. “If you’re putting all that effort into your nutrition and exercising and sleeping and you just don’t have enough water, then you might not be getting the full benefit,” she warned. “Any drinks that are non-alcoholic count towards your fluid for the day, but watch out for sugar and artificial sweeteners.” Most people need between one-and-a-half to two litres of fluid a day to stay hydrated, but in hot weather or if you’re very active, then you may need more, Williams noted. Women can be more prone to gut issues “What we see clinically is that a lot of [gut] symptoms tend to affect women more,” explained Williams. There’s no definite answer as to why, but women have fluctuating hormones, which she says can cause gut symptoms too. Prostaglandins, the hormone that causes the womb to contract before menstruation, can make your bowel contract as well. “A lot of women get looser, diarrhoea or some discomfort the week before the period.” In addition, the postnatal crash after high oestrogen levels during pregnancy can impact gut health. “When you’ve had a baby, trying to have any form of routine yourself in that first few months, eating regularly and sleeping regularly is practically impossible,” Williams added. “The postnatal period is a really important time for people around the mother to ensure that she is well-nourished with really good quality food, and given time by other people to get the time she needs to rest as well.” Dr Zoe Williams is working with Activia to coach people on the A-Z of gut health and raising awareness of the gut as fundamental to your overall health. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Holly Willoughby’s Wylde Moon website has started an important conversation about ‘orgasm anxiety’ – here’s why it matters Vitamin D intake ‘may reduce cancer mortality in the population by 15%’ – study Men who cycle, jog or swim could cut risk of nine cancers – study

As we wave goodbye to summer and the low autumn sun signals a shift in seasons, a woodland vibe is suddenly where it’s at. Think harvest time, nature trails, fiery oranges, pumpkins, log baskets and cosy furnishings to come home to. Here’s how to style up your space and rework existing pieces with autumnal-themed decor and a countrycore aesthetic… 1. Autumn Harvest Floral Wreath – Orange, £27.99, The Range Adorned with autumnal shades of yellow, orange and burgundy with petite pumpkins peeking out, this rustic wreath can be hung on the door, or placed as a centrepiece to elevate your timely tablescape. 2. Yankee Candle Autumn Daydream, £29.99, Yankee Candle With top notes of clove, lavender, balsam and eucalyptus, we’ve a burning desire to evoke warming woodland scents for a homely ambience. 3. Emma Bridgewater Vegetable Garden Tomatoes Soup Plate, £25, Daisy Park With thoughts turning to comfort food, this is the soup plate to cosy up with. 4. Toadstool Ceramic Salt & Pepper Shakers, £18.50, Oliver Bonas We’ve fallen for these fairytale toadstools. 5. George Natural Reactive Glaze Dinner Set 12-Piece, £30, George Natural Vintage Ceramic Bottle, £12, Direct.asda Think cottage-style interiors, reclaimed wooden tables, rustic woven hanging baskets – and this timeless stoneware is the finishing touch. 6. Glass BonBon Jar Set of 2, £32.90, Solavia Glassware What could be lovelier than rambling through the countryside and foraging for pine cones, conkers and their spiky green shells? These glass vessels are perfect for showcasing favourite finds. 7. George Orange Halloween Pumpkin Teapot, £8, George Orange Halloween Pumpkin Serving Bowl, (23.3 x 20.3 x 28.5cm), £12, rest of items from a selection, Direct.asda It’s pumpkin season which means earthy, sweet squash recipes topped with a warming cuppa. 8. Geometric Square Scatter Cushion Cover, Brick, £12.99, Fausley Log Carrier, £62.99, and other items from a selection, Wayfair Time to transition your soft furnishings – switch out light covers and throws for heavier fall fabrics. Chunky cushions, faux fur, thick knits and a log basket are your best bet to get the look. 9. Autumn Harvest Pod Garland, £55, Sophie Allport This harvest garland features faux leaves, simple straw, pinecones and seasonal berries for an autumn colour palette. Lay on a fireplace or drape along a windowsill and style with LED pillar candles… 180cm of length to play with. 10. British Wildlife Collection – Hedgehog Side Plate, £22.50, Jimbobart When it comes to prickly friends, this sweet side plate imbibes thoughts of country living and spotting hedgehogs amongst the hedgerows. 11. Hello Pumpkin Autumn Cushion, £18, Next Every accent chair calls for a pumpkin cushion to snug into this time of year.

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Caerphilly-born Dowden, who joined the BBC dance competition show in 2017, shared the news on Instagram, telling fans that she is “determined” to return to the dance floor as soon as she can. The 32-year-old wrote: “Hey all, I’ve got some news which isn’t easy to share. I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but I’m determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it.”Maldives Dowden went to the GP after realising the lump had grown after her holiday. Last week she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. She told Hello Magazine: “My doctor explained to me that there are three grades, and three is the most aggressive, but they feel like they’ve caught mine early and to not be too alarmed because grade three would be expected in somebody of my age. “You just don’t ever think it’s going to happen to you. I hadn’t thought it was possible to get breast cancer at my age. “My mum has had breast cancer, but she had it at a later age, in her 50s.” What are the signs to know? Many women know that a lump can be a possible symptom of breast cancer, but there are other signs of the disease to look for,” says Manveet Basra, head of public health and wellbeing at Breast Cancer Now. “While most breast changes, including lumps, won’t be cancer, it’s important to contact your GP as soon as possible if you notice a change to your breast that’s new or unusual for you, as the sooner breast cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be.” Clare O’Neill from CoppaFeel!, wants everyone to be breast aware, “Because people of all ages and genders have breast tissue”, she says. She recommends checking your breasts or pecs once a month, while adding: “It can be normal to have pain and lumps around the time of your period.” So what symptoms other than lumps should you be aware of? If you see “any puckering, thickening, dimpling or rash of the skin, talk to your doctor”, advises O’Neill. “Also talk to your doctor if you notice a change in direction of the nipple or any bleeding or discharge from the nipple, or swelling of the chest or armpit. Breast awareness is not supposed to be scary, it’s about empowering people to know their bodies.” How to check your breasts “Checking your breasts only takes a few minutes. It could be when getting dressed, when showering or putting on moisturiser,” says Basra. “It’s important to remember to check your whole breast area, your armpits and up to your collarbone (upper chest) for changes. There’s no special technique, it’s as simple as TLC: Touch, Look, Check.” See your GP if you have any worries about possible symptoms, and you can call Breast Cancer Now’s free helpline on 0808 800 6000. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Helen Flanagan says she spent her 20s ‘pregnant and breastfeeding’ Baby food and drink guidelines needed over sugar concerns, say health campaigners Period advice now being offered by Amazon’s Alexa

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