Trusting your Gut: The Unseen Key to Health & Longevity
- Jessica Wat
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
Ever had a "gut feeling" about something? It turns out, that phrase is more than just intuition, it is a window into one of the most critical systems for your overall health and longevity.
A few months ago, Women of Hong Kong hosted a community call with Anca Griffiths, CEO of OM Health Hub, to demystify the complex world of gut health. In an informative Q&A session, Anca provided evidence-based insights that moved us beyond trendy buzzwords and into actionable, intelligent steps for nurturing our well-being from the inside out.
If you missed it, don’t worry. We’ve distilled the key takeaways below to help you start your journey to a happier, healthier gut.
3 Key Learnings to Revolutionise Your Approach to Gut Health
While the session was packed with wisdom, three core themes emerged that can reshape how we think about our daily health habits.
Fermented Foods vs. Probiotics: They're Not Created Equal
We often hear that fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, and kombucha are gut-health superstars. And they are! These foods introduce beneficial bacteria and support a diverse gut environment. However, Anca highlighted a crucial distinction: while fermented foods are fantastic for maintenance, they don't provide controlled, specific strains or dosages of probiotics.
Think of it this way - fermented foods are like a general wellness supplement for your gut, while a targeted probiotic is like a prescribed medication. If you're dealing with a specific issue like persistent bloating, a weakened immune system, or sleep troubles, then a targeted probiotic supplement with evidence-based strains may be necessary to see real change.
Your Gut is as Unique as Your Fingerprint, and So will Your Path to Healing
One of the most liberating takeaways was the emphasis on individuality. Your gut microbiome is entirely your own, shaped by your diet, lifestyle, environment, and even your birth story. This means:
Testing has its limits: While microbiome testing can offer fascinating insights, Anca urged caution. The science is still evolving, and results can change quickly. These tests are a snapshot, not a definitive diagnosis.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution: The perfect diet or the "best" probiotic for your friend may not work for you. The key is to become a detective of your own body, noticing how different foods and habits make you feel.
True Gut Health is Holistic: It’s More Than What You Eat
You can eat all the sauerkraut in the world, but if you're chronically stressed, sedentary, or skimping on sleep, you're undermining your efforts. Anca powerfully connected gut health to our entire lifestyle:
The Gut-Brain Axis: The connection between your mental state and your gut is a two-way street. Stress and anxiety can disrupt your gut microbiome, and an unhealthy gut can signal the brain, impacting your mood. This is why practices like mindfulness and relaxation aren't just "good for stress"—they're essential for gut health.
The Shift from Restriction to Nourishment: Instead of focusing on cutting foods out, Anca encouraged us to focus on adding beneficial foods in. Think colourful vegetables, prebiotic fibres, and healthy fats. This positive, additive approach is more sustainable and psychologically empowering.
The Bigger Picture: The conversation also explored the gut's role in broader women’s health issues, including vaginal health and navigating menopause, underscoring that a healthy gut is a cornerstone of hormonal balance.
Resources to add to Your Gut Health Toolkit
If you’d like to dive deeper into gut health, Anca recommended a few reliable resources:
For Deeper Learning: Explore the book "The Mind-Gut Connection" by Dr. Emeran Mayer or Anca’s own co-authored book, "Why Women Aren’t Winning at Health (But Can)."
For Local Support: Get connected with local experts like Tricia Yap (Limitless Gym) for microbiome testing or other specialists through our WoHK Women's Health Chat.
Conclusion
A huge thank you to Anca Griffiths for her invaluable time and wisdom. The journey to understanding our gut is a personal one, but it's a path we don't have to walk alone. If you have any further questions for her, you can connect with Anca on LinkedIn or find out more information on OM Health Hub here.
Want to continue the conversation? Keep an eye out for future WoHK community calls, which occur every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes, here. Also, if you’re a Premium or Digital Access Member, you can join our Women's Health Chat on WhatsApp to connect with and learn from fellow members, and share your experiences.
