#285 What a Gut Healthy Day Looks Like with Dr James Kinross PhD, FRCS

In this episode, I’m again joined by Dr James Kinross, a senior lecturer in colorectal surgery and consultant surgeon at Imperial College London, he’s a researcher, and author of Dark Matter, to explore the science behind our gut microbiome—and how we can take actionable steps to support it every single day.

🔍 Key Topics We Cover:

• Should everyone be doing a gut microbiome test?
• Are daily probiotics necessary, or is food enough?
• Can our gut bacteria influence how easily we lose weight?
• What’s the link between stress, mood, and our microbes?
• Does a healthy gut help us live longer?

But rather than just theory, today’s episode is all about practical strategies. We walk through what an ideal gut-health day looks like—from the moment you wake up to your morning routine, commute, meals, work stressors, and even how you wind down at night. Dr. Kinross breaks down:

✔ The best foods to start your day for optimal gut function
✔ What supplements to take (or avoid) for microbiome health
✔ How movement, stress, and even pollution affect your gut
✔ Why gut bacteria plays a role in breaking down food, recycling nutrients, and producing essential compounds
✔ How gut health shifts across different life stages—from newborns to aging adults

We also dive into some big health questions, including:
🧠 The gut-brain connection – how microbes influence serotonin, dopamine, and mood
💊 Post-antibiotic recovery – what to do if you’ve just finished a round of antibiotics
⚖️ Weight control – how gut microbes affect appetite, fat burning, and metabolism
🦠 Cancer risk – why are cases of bowel cancer rising in younger people?

If you’ve ever wondered how to support your gut and why it matters, this is the episode for you.