Dietary Changes Focus on Digestion and Wellbeing
A survey conducted by MyFitnessPal shows that 72% of Australians have changed their diet to improve gut health. This trend underscores the increasing importance of digestive health in Australia.n
With over 1,000 Australians participating, the survey indicates that 63% want to enhance digestion and reduce bloating. 61% aim for overall wellbeing. Practical goals such as bowel regularity and weight loss are important for 47% and 46% of respondents, respectively.n
According to Michaela Sparrow, a nutritionist and MyFitnessPal ambassador, “Australians are embracing gut health as a key part of their overall wellbeing. But this isn’t a passing trend or temporary behaviour – it’s a well-established health pattern that reflects growing awareness of how closely the gut is linked to energy, immunity and long-term health.”n
Common Dietary Adjustmentsn
Australians are adopting simple dietary habits to improve gut health. These include incorporating fibre in every meal, an approach taken by 42% of respondents. Other common practices are avoiding food after 7 PM (31%), consuming an apple a day (30%), drinking warm lemon water (28%), and taking daily probiotics (25%).n
The survey also highlighted that Australians are reducing the intake of fast food, sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods. This reflects a holistic approach to gut health, focusing on both positive additions and the reduction of negative dietary elements.n
Despite these efforts, there remains some uncertainty around fibre intake. While 51% believe they consume enough fibre, 26% feel they fall short, and 23% are unsure. Michaela Sparrow emphasised the importance of using nutrition tracking apps like MyFitnessPal to monitor fibre consumption and enhance dietary choices.n
There is a notable shift towards reducing negative dietary components. Avoidance behaviours focus on cutting back fast food, sugar, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods. This demonstrates that gut health is about reducing negative inputs as much as adding positive ones.n
The survey reveals that 51% of Australians admit to not consuming enough fibre, while 26% feel they fall short, highlighting ongoing uncertainty around fibre intake. Michaela Sparrow added, “Research continues to show us that uncertainty around fibre intake, ranked as the most important form of improving gut health in the recent survey, remains unclear.”
