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

Can you take too much probiotics or could your gut self regulate ?

My child has a very restrictive diet - and won't try the probiotic drinks etc - any advice on how to improve her gut health by stealth ? (age 12)

Does the high street probiotics drinks actually work - and if so can we make them at home in a yoghurt maker ?

When should you take probiotics?

What five items do you always add to your shopping basket?

Are supplements really necessary when you eat regular gut heathy foods and plenty of fruit veg and whole grain fibre?
Thank you

Can too much fibre cause constipation?

What are your thoughts on taking manuka honey for gut health - of does it make things worse as it is a natural antibiotic ?? (I take this regularly.

How would you help a child who needs a lot of medication - usually antibiotics for recurrent ear infections - I feel it's a catch 22 situation I know I need to improve gut health because it's important for immunity - but painful ear infections need treating - I feel the gut will never recover long enough to do it's job.

I genuinely have no clue about gut health. Where do I start? Supplements or dietary changes? Why is it important?

I have tried Symprove a couple of times but not noticed any difference with my symptoms. Having had IBS for decades and tried FODMAP also I feel at a loss as to where to go next. What do you recommend as the most important thing we can do to improve our gut health?

Hey ! What a great topic.

Can I ask about the link between gut health and food allergies ?
My son has several food allergies and we give probiotics. I'd love to learn more about this area.

Are the benefits of gut health actually just mitigations for the harms from glucose spikes? E.g. antiinflammatory (from what?), antioxidant protection (from what, glucose?), bacteria that feed back to us useful substances (which we can also get from being on ketosis), fibre to aid digestion (from what, constipating-inducing carbohydrates?).

Since my daughter left home to go to university, she gets indigestion every now and then which she never used to. Although she tries to eat healthily, I think her mealtimes can be erratic. When she was younger, she always ate a lot at breakfast but I know she now often skips or rushes it. I have tried to encourage her not to skip breakfast, eat at regular times, etc. What other advice could I give her to improve her gut health? Thanks 😊

Is there more scope to change the gut microbiome in childhood compared to adulthood much like how brain plasticity is greater in childhood?
And does that mean it's difficult to make large impactful changes in adulthood? I know Zoe says you can change your gut bacteria but is there any evidence that you can make changes that have a meaningful difference to your life (unless you're switching from a 100% fast food to a pure organic whole foods balanced and varied diet)?

What's the most damaging thing to gut health? Rather than taking anything extra, is there anything that I should be avoiding? (Assuming I have a generally healthy diet anyway)

How do I know what my gut health is? Is there a simple, free way to keep a check?

And what are the best 3 easy habits I can build into my every day that will encourage a healthy gut?

Do you think that as a society we are causing more gut issues by ‘being too clean’? Is it our caution over hand washing and cleanliness that is causing us to be exposed to less microbes in our infancy which is then impacting our gut health throughout our lives?

Are all kombuchas good for your gut health? Are there certain brands that I should go for (or avoid)?

I've just recently developed recurring bloating and have been diagnosed with IBS. I have never previously had any issues with my stomach or food. I've been on Symprove for 2 months but still having issues. I feel overwhelmed with the thought of potentially going no FODMAP - do you have any tips for doing that when cooking for a family who seem to want to live on dairy and gluten (despite my best efforts even before all this)?

Do you have any advice on excess flatulence caused by possible IBS please.

Do you have recommendations for a dairy free probiotic (dairy intolerance rather than vegan) for someone with GORD, please? I get eczema and increased reflux + diarrhoea with dairy 😔. Thank you

In the last year I've had a cholecystectomy and my digestive system has been massively impacted and have had to change the way I eat. Any tips on improving things?

If taking antibiotics, what should we take to counteract any negative effects - prebiotic and /or probiotic supplements or eat foods naturally high in these?

Chronic daily stomach pain, GERD, IBS, and malabsorption. This has been me the past five years. I've tried probiotics and changing diet. Nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?

In the past I've been tested for food intolerances, and for several years had a pescatarian diet. I've tried cutting out grains, tried eating less fats, tried alcohol free, I don't drink caffeine.