Got questions about gut health? Ask dietician Laura Tilt - £200 voucher to be won

[EllieSmumsnet]

Did you know your gut health can influence more than just digestion? From boosting your mood and energy levels to supporting your immune system, taking care of your gut is vital for overall well-being.

But how do you know if your gut needs some TLC? What are the best ways to support it? And what role do live and active bacteria play in maintaining a healthy gut?

To help answer all your burning questions, we’re joined by gut health expert Laura Tilt! Whether you’re curious about spotting the signs of poor gut health, incorporating live and active bacteria into your family’s routine, or just want simple tips for feeling your best, Laura’s here to help.

• Everyone who shares a questions on the thread below by 12/02/2025 will be entered into a prize draw
• One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice
• Laura will be back soon to answer some of your questions

About Laura Tilt:
“Laura has been passionate about microbes and the gut for nearly 10 years, sparked by her focus on gastroenterology during her time in clinical practice. She is an experienced dietitian, health writer, and a regular columnist for Women’s Health Magazine. With over 15 years of experience in nutrition, Laura is passionate about helping people understand the connection between food and health, bridging the gap between what we eat and what happens in our bodies. You can find her on social media @nutritilty, where she shares practical tips for eating healthy amid the everyday challenges of parenting and sleep deprivation.”

About Symprove:
Symprove’s powerful liquid solution is the UK’s no.1 water-based live and active bacteria supplement and most recommended by health care professionals in the UK. It’s a firm favourite with our Mumsnet community. It's dairy free and water based, plus it's safe for children (always check dosage instructions) and those on antibiotics.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

What are the best simple and cheap ways to improve gut health?

Can taking specific probiotic supplements help with insomnia and anxiety? If so, which strains?

If you have good gut health, and therefore good immunity is this a good indication that getting cancer will be lessened ?

How does fermented food work to improve gut health ?

Are there any foods that significantly better than the average other foods for this? Like any particular fruit, veg, seeds etc that isn’t fermented

When I've taken antibiotics how long does it take for your gut to get back to 'normal' again - and does taking antibiotics for regular infections permanently damage your gut health .

Can you permanently damage your gut health by a poor diet in your teens - would it always recover once you eat sensibly ?

Apple cider gummies or apple cider with mother - which is the best - I've been taking the latter with juice but it's not the best tasting - and does it work ?- if so how ?

I am always bloated. I am very thin however my stomach can look 6 months pregnant and makes me very self conscious. I do my best to chew my food well, drink lots of water and eat fruit and vegetables. Probiotics irritate my stomach badly as I have chronic IBS. Any suggetsions?

Is it better to just take probiotics if you need to, for example if you’re feeling run down?

I have another question, I hope that's ok, is it ok to take probiotics when immune suppressed? Or would it be ok to take them shortly after stopping immune suppressants?

What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? When to take each?

Does a probiotic supplement such as Symprove help to control Candida?

Is damage to your gut from eating the wrong things reversible?

Can I make my own pro-biotics in a yoghurt maker ? and will it be any good - would there be any better 'make at home' ways of improving my gut health.

What do I look for when selecting a probiotic? There are so many on the market and how do I find one for improving gut health after an illness? Many thanks.

Is it better to get probiotics from real food, such as kimchi, kombucha, yoghurt etc rather than rely on supplements?

Can you recommend but friendly, cupboard friendly snacks for kids school bag, which are gut friendly?

Is microbiome testing worth it?

Is it safe to have live probiotics when you are pregnant or trying to conceive ?

How can you tell if you have good/bad gut health? What are the tell tale signs?

My adult child, somewhat over wheight, but very fit, has had indigestion for three months. They've been to their GP and have been prescribed two lots of indigestion remedies, with a referral to gastro people in hospital
Is there anything you'd recommend meanwhile? They are vegetarian, by the way.

I am trying to increase my diet's fibre content. I've heard people talk about fibre tablets - would you recommend these for gut health?

Is it worth taking probiotics to support the body after surgery?