We’re all pretty aware of how important good gut health is to our overall health, but did you also know that a diverse range of gut microbiota might affect how long we live?

Studies show that older adults with a good mix of gut bacteria lived longer than those whose microbiome remained similar. While the causal link has yet to be established, we do know that people with a diverse and healthy microbiome tend to have a healthier lifestyle overall.

And gut health doesn’t have to be complicated – you can start by eating some fermented foods every day and making sure you’re eating enough fibre.

“Eating fermented foods is such an easy way to improve the friendly bacteria in your microbiome,” advises Al-Ali. “Kimchi or sauerkraut are delicious condiments that you can add to any savoury meal – just one tablespoon per meal is enough to add in the goodness.

Try and focus on increasing your fibre intake as well. “The recommended daily intake is 30g, and most clients I see don’t eat nearly that much,” says Al-Ali. “Aim for three portions of veg in each meal. Try adding spinach or kale into your smoothie along with some avocado and choose fibre-rich cruciferous vegetables in your main meals.”

6 super simple longevity habits you can try today to improve quality (and quantity) of life