“A healthy gut typically means regular and consistent bowel movements,” says Patel. “Generally, people should have bowel movements one to three times per day. The stools should be a nice sausage shape and not have a ‘bitty’ or runny consistency, and they should be medium to dark brown in colour.”

If you want to know exactly what your stools should look like, if only to give yourself a pat on the back, then check out the famous Bristol stool chart – we’re aiming for a Type 4.

“The ideal poo should be easy to pass,” advises registered nutritional therapist Anna Mapson. “You shouldn’t be sitting on the toilet trying to go for more than five minutes, and there shouldn’t be any straining, urgency or pain associated with pooing.”

This is what good gut health feels like, from hydrated skin to a decent night’s sleep