Spring health SWAPS

We look at what’s worth swapping and what’s not, saving you time and money!

- JENNY ROWE

New doesn’t necessarily mean better. So we’ve done some digging to find out what’s worth a health swap and what’s not. If you do make a switch, give it time. ‘Stick to a new health goal for three months before you decide if it’s working for you,’ says registered dietitian Sophie Medlin. Our experts advise on what to embrace and what not to waste your money on…

Should you swap… …

PROBIOTICS FOR POSTBIOTICS?

Our gut health can affect our mental wellbeing, inflammation levels and immunity – and until now the focus has been on supplementing with probiotics, which contain species of gut bacteria. ‘But postbiotics are an exciting area of innovation,’ says Sophie. ‘They’re beneficial compounds that are produced by the good bacteria in the gut. Postbiotics essentially cut out the middleman (the probiotic) and give us the end product.’

THE VERDICT: Postbiotics are likely more of a quick fix. ‘You may feel better when you’re taking them but not when you stop,’ says Sophie. ‘Conversely, postbiotics are a better investment for long-term gut health.’

TRY: Holland & Barrett’s Tribiotic range. Although pricey, it contains pre-, pro-and postbiotics (£27.99 for 30 capsules). To focus on probiotics, eat live yogurt, kefir and kombucha or supplement with Bio-Kult Advanced Multi-Strain Formulation (£9.49 for 30 capsules, Holland & Barrett).