The Gut Stuff: 'Part cookbook, part biology textbook'

Gut health may be the hot topic of the moment, but it’s taken a long time for society to talk openly about the ins and outs of our intestines – and we’re still probably not quite there yet. Enter Lisa and Alana Macfarlane, who have been shouting about all things poo for many years, hoping the world will sit up and take notice of how to maintain a healthy gut. 

The twins’ interest in gut health began when they took part in a groundbreaking piece of research by led by King’s College London’s professor Tim Spector, who has been making headlines himself thanks to his popular Zoe nutrition app. Since participating in that research, Lisa and Alana have gone on to become wellness entrepreneurs and have even fronted a recent Channel 4 TV series, aptly named Know Your Sh!t.

Their first book, The Gut Stuff, is part cookbook, with nourishing, gut-friendly recipes, and part biology textbook, informing readers about their digestive systems along with evidence-backed advice from doctors and nutritionists on how to care for digestive health. 

Chapters cover the importance of a balanced diet, the role of probiotics and the effects of gut bacteria. Inviting recipes include spiced green pancakes and mushroom, mixed bean hotpot and there’s even a mac ’n’ cheese – it’s certainly not all pulses and salads. Chefs won’t find the recipes game-changing, but the tips on how to incorporate additional fibre and fermented foods could provide inspiration for those looking to develop more gut-friendly dishes on upcoming menus. 

More and more guests are thinking about how their bodies will react to food, wanting to feel good in the hours and days that follow a meal – just look at how far the gluten-free movement has come or the increased awareness of allergens and intolerances. So it is likely that this focus on digestive health may soon seep into hospitality more widely than just the occasional health-conscious café. 

The Gut Stuff by Lisa Macfarlane and Alana Macfarlane, Pavilion Books (£26)