Gut Health Month 2026

Kristen Bekkeli, Accredited Practicing Dietitian

Feeling overwhelmed by gut health advice on online? You’re not alone. As a dietitian, I meet many people who want to ‘fix their gut’ but aren’t sure where to start or what information to trust.
This February 2026 is Gut Health Month and is the perfect time to understand your everyday food choices shape your digestion, mood and overall wellbeing.

Your gut does more than just digest food.

Your gut is home to trillions of tiny microorganisms that live along your digestive tract. This community is called the gut microbiome. Here’s what this community does behind the scenes:

• Break down parts of food the human gut can’t digest alone
• Produce certain vitamins and beneficial compounds
• Support your immune system
• Communicate with your brain via the ‘gut–brain axis’

When this community is well-fed and diverse, it supports comfortable digestion, steadier energy and overall wellbeing. When it’s out of balance, some people notice more bloating, irregular bowel habits, or feeling generally ‘off’.

The good news is you don’t need a strict detox or expensive supplements to support your gut. Everyday habits matter most.

Small steps make a big difference. Here are some gentle changes you can start with:

1. Additions, not restrictions

Instead of focusing on what to cut out, think about what you can add in. Try including an extra piece of fruit, an extra serve of vegetables, or swapping to a wholegrain version of a food you already eat.

2. Build fibre-rich meals

Most adults don’t get enough fibre, which is one of the main fuels for your gut bacteria. Think: wholegrain bread or oats, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, fruit and plenty of veggies.

3. Boost plant-food diversity

Different plant foods feed different beneficial bacteria. Setting yourself a fun challenge like “How many plant foods can I eat this week?” can be a helpful way to increase variety. Tip: aim for 30 different plant foods per week, including fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, wholegrains, herbs and spices

4. Incorporate fermented foods

Foods like yoghurt with live cultures, kefir, or other fermented milk drinks can be simple additions to your day. They don’t replace a balanced diet, but they can be a useful extra.

5. Drink enough fluid

Fibre works best with adequate fluid, especially water. If your fibre intake is going up, it’s important your water intake does too.

When to seek personalised advice

If you’re curious about your own gut health and what might help you feel better, consider booking an appointment with a dietitian who can work with you to create a plan that fits your body, your culture and your lifestyle.
Many common gut symptoms, like bloating, constipation and diarrhoea, can improve with targeted dietary changes. For more complex conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, coeliac disease or irritable bowel diseases, individualised support from a dietitian is essential to manage symptoms while still meeting nutritional needs.