Bowel Research UK Survey Finds Majority of UK Adults Limiting Gut Health by Repeating Same Foods in Weekly Shop
On Tuesday 30 April, 2024, Bowel Research UK released the findings of a recent survey, revealing that nearly three quarters of people in the UK tend to buy the same foods on a weekly basis. This habit may be significantly limiting the diversity and health of their gut microbiome, as reported by the leading specialist bowel cancer and bowel disease research charity.
The gut microbiome is the collection of bacteria, fungi and viruses that naturally live inside us. Recent studies have shown that the diversity of healthy bacteria in our gut is strongly associated with better overall health and protection from bowel diseases. However, Bowel Research UK’s survey of 2,000 people found that 74% always or often purchase the same ingredients on their grocery trips.
The survey also revealed that younger adults, aged 18-25, were more likely to buy the same ingredients every time, with 25% reporting this habit. This trend was also reflected in the reasons given for the lack of variety in the diet, with convenience and budget being cited as major factors by 37% and 31% of respondents, respectively. Interestingly, only 12% of all ages reported always buying the same ingredients due to personal preference, suggesting that convenience and budget may be the primary drivers of this habit.
Dr Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed, NHS doctor, chef, and winner of BBC’s MasterChef competition in 2017, commented on the importance of a diverse diet for gut health: “Studies have shown that rather than focusing on ‘superfoods’, one of the best things you can do for your gut health is to eat a variety of plants, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. Research also shows that varying your choice of fruit and vegetables weekly, or seasonally, has an even more positive effect on your gut microbiome.”
Bowel Research UK also found that nearly half of the survey respondents had not heard of the gut microbiome, with only 28% of those over 65 being aware of it. Lynn Dunne, CEO of Bowel Research UK, expressed concern over this lack of awareness: “Having a healthy gut microbiome has positive effects on so many aspects of health – from helping maintain a healthy weight and mental health to reducing the risk of bowel cancer and managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It’s concerning that so many people are unaware of it, and it’s particularly worrying that people are less likely to have heard of it if they are over 65, which is when they are at higher risk of bowel diseases.”
In response to these findings, Bowel Research UK has launched an appeal for major donations to create a ringfenced pot of £250,000 for researchers to apply for PhDs or small grants for research on the gut microbiome. This appeal is being launched in conjunction with Bowel Research UK’s Microbiome Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which aims to inspire people to rewild their diets, gardens, and relationship with the land.
Dr James Kinross, Bowel Research UK’s microbiome clinical expert, praised the charity’s efforts to fund research in this under-researched area: “Ten years ago, research on the gut microbiome was seen as in its infancy and, despite it now being a hot topic in research, it is still a neglected niche when it comes to science funding. It’s great to see Bowel Research UK launching an appeal to fund microbiome research, particularly as the funding is targeted at researchers who are starting their careers and will bring fresh approaches to this exciting field.”
For media enquiries, please contact Rachel Gonzaga, Bowel Research UK’s Communications Consultant, on 07918 590 166.
To find out more about Bowel Research UK’s microbiome grant funding appeal, or to make a donation, visit: https://www.bowelresearchuk.org/get-involved/microbiome-appeal/.
About Bowel Research UK:
Bowel Research UK is the UK’s leading specialist bowel cancer and bowel disease research charity, funding life-changing research into these conditions. With over 16,000 people dying from bowel cancer in the UK every year and over a million suffering from bowel disease, Bowel Research UK’s work is crucial in saving and improving lives. Their research focuses on cutting-edge treatments and the best science, with the aim of making a positive impact on people’s health. For more information, visit https://www.bowelresearchuk.org/.
Press release distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
