As over half of consumers think being ‘summer body ready’ means looking physically better, Activia is on a mission to highlight the importance of taking care of the gut this summer to show how it can affect the body overall
As summer rolls in and priorities shift, new research from Activia finds two in five (38%) Brits place more emphasis on appearances in the summertime than any other season, with one in five (20%) prioritising their looks above their overall health. To encourage people to look after their gut health this summer, Activia, the yoghurt brand that is passionate about happy guts, is on a mission to share the importance of looking after gut health to help feel good and look good, from the inside out.
When asked what ‘summer body ready’ means most to people, over half (53%) said it means looking physically better, with shedding extra pounds coming close second (48%) and booking in beauty treatments coming in at 18% – showing how Brits place major emphasis on the importance of looking good in summer.
The findings from Activia also show the side effects when more importance is placed on aesthetics over gut health. Three in 10 (30%) say they feel fatigued during summer due to not looking after their gut health. In fact, over a third (33%) struggle to sleep well, 28% say they become easily irritable, and a quarter (25%) find themselves drowning in stress. Nearly one in four of us (23%) notice our skin taking a hit, and just over a fifth (22%) say they battle headaches.
What many might not know is that a healthy gut doesn’t just support general health, but it also contributes to how we look and feel. From more radiant looking skin, to being in a happier mood, and even sleeping better, the gut plays an important role in supporting many aspects of our health.
With over four fifths of adults (82%) agreeing it’s important to look after this part of the body, but nearly a half (47%) saying they don’t know where to start when it comes to their gut health, TV’s Dr Zoe Williams shares her top tips on supporting gut health to help consumers make the most of the season.
Dr Zoe Williams top tips to support the gut this summer
- Make the most of summer activities. Activia research has found the top activities Brits are looking forward to most this summer are doing more outdoor activities (51%), followed by adventures with family or friends, beaches (44%), picnics (39%), and staycations (23%). Studies show that regular exercise positively affects the gut, so try fitting in an activity of choice this summer. Plus, when we exercise our brain releases a powerful cocktail of feel-good hormones that can make us feel good.
- Hydration is key:?In the warmer months it’s easier to become dehydrated which can lead to constipation which contributes to overall poorer gut health. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and keeping a bottle close by throughout the day to avoid forgetting. Hydration is essential for good Heath generally, not just gut health, so remembering to top up frequently throughout the day is a must.
- Try new summer recipe dishes which nourish the gut microbiome. Summer is a perfect time to try out new recipes with fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables which are good for the gut microbiome. From leafy green salads with light summer dressings, to breakfast bowls filled with yoghurt and berries, try new combinations to increase the diversity of plants in your diet, as part of your summer routine.? The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms that live in our gut – they communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve and by sending chemical signals. This connection is referred to as the ‘gut-brain axis’ and it has been shown that a healthy gut can help to positively impact our brain function and mood.
- Stick to a schedule.?Not eating regularly can lead to a confused digestive system. Try to eat meals at a similar time each day, even in the summer time when your schedule can be different. And avoid eating dinner too late, ideally finish eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime!
- Get plenty of rest.?The summer months can affect sleep patterns due to light and heat, however lack of sleep directly impacts food choices and affects our hunger hormones and, therefore our digestive system and gut health. You’re more likely to reach for highly processed foods which contain less nutrients and higher levels of sugar and unhealthy fats when you haven’t slept well.
Dr Zoe Williams comments:
“Taking care of your gut health is not just about digestion; it’s about nurturing your overall well-being all year round. The gut has so many amazing connections which impact many different aspects of our health. A healthy gut sets the stage for the rest of the body, from vibrant skin, restful sleep, balanced emotions, and a summer filled with energy and enjoyment. That’s why it is important this summer to take care of your gut to feel good from the inside out. Afterall, focusing on overall health over aesthetics is what truly matters in the long run to live life to the fullest”.
Rachel Wright, Head of Marketing, Activia comments:
“At Activia, we’re passionate about happy guts. However, we know from our research that people are choosing to prioritise how they look over how they feel and this summer. What many don’t realise is that your gut plays a significant role in the body. A healthy and happy gut makes you feel good from the inside out, so we encourage everyone this summer to keep their gut health in check.”
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