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Will Bulsiewicz MD MSCI, checked.

instagram @theguthealthmd · 666,700 followers

25 pieces of advice across instagram, each one checked against the research. Sorted by reach — the claims their followers saw most, first. This is not a witch hunt: verdicts are about the evidence, never the people. Last reviewed: July 14, 2026.

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Adding just 5 minutes of sleep and 2 minutes of physical activity to your daily routine can gain you one year of life expectancy.

The cited study by Koemel et al. (2026), published in eClinicalMedicine, is a large-scale observational study measuring the movements of nearly 59,000 people using sensors. It effectively shows that tiny shifts in time—such as trading a bit of sedentary behavior for rest or activity—are correlated with a significant increase in longevity. Nevertheless, the strict formula '5 minutes of sleep + 2 minutes of exercise = 1 year of life' is an extrapolation derived from theoretical mathematical models, and not a guaranteed linear promise for every individual. Furthermore, the actual impact depends greatly on your baseline level, with benefits being maximal for those who are very sedentary or sleep-deprived. The underlying message, however, remains excellent and validated: consistent micro-habits of recovery and movement are far more beneficial for vitality than radical resolutions that are impossible to maintain.

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One should not pit proteins against fiber: for optimal intestinal comfort, it is advisable to combine these two nutrients, because an excess of protein not compensated for by fiber leads to less favorable bacterial fermentation in the colon.

The principle of differentiated digestion presented is scientifically accurate: proteins are primarily assimilated in the small intestine, while fiber nourishes our beneficial microbes further down. A landmark intervention study (RCT) published in Nature by David et al. (2014) demonstrated that an exclusively animal-based diet (high in protein, lacking fiber) rapidly alters the microbiota profile and increases protein fermentation byproducts. Furthermore, a research review (synthesis of evidence) by Windey et al. in the European Journal of Nutrition confirms that excess protein reaching the colon generates compounds such as ammonia or hydrogen sulfide. Although the exact long-term impact of these compounds on overall digestive well-being still requires further observational studies, the synergy described is very real. The suggestion to diversify one's diet by combining proteins and plant-based fiber is therefore particularly sound for supporting both one's cells and microbes.

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Recent human data show that microplastics disrupt our gut (decrease in good bacteria, alteration of the intestinal barrier), but a well-nourished microbiota thanks to a plant-rich diet possesses a great capacity for adaptation to repair this damage.

The creator relies on a review of scientific literature to highlight the impact of microplastics on our intestinal well-being. Indeed, observational studies, such as that by Yan et al. (2022) published in Environmental Science & Technology, associate the presence of microplastics with microbiota imbalances in humans. However, direct evidence showing that microplastics actively degrade the intestinal barrier still comes mostly from laboratory cell models and animal studies, rather than rigorous human clinical trials. Furthermore, the claim that nourishing one's microbiota specifically repairs plastic-related damage is an appealing but unproven extrapolation. Numerous meta-analyses, including that by Barber et al. (2020), nevertheless confirm that a fiber-rich diet naturally strengthens the intestinal barrier. Adopting a diverse diet therefore remains an excellent global protection strategy, even if the direct causal link with resistance to plastics remains to be proven.

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Adopt five habits taking less than five minutes per day—increasing fiber, consuming fermented foods and nuts, walking after meals, and stabilizing sleep schedules—to effectively reduce systemic inflammation.

The creator offers recommendations of remarkable scientific rigor here. Regarding fiber, a randomized clinical trial (RCT) by Ma et al. demonstrates that reaching 30g per day significantly reduces C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation. The effect of fermented foods is supported by a clinical trial from Stanford University (Wastyk et al.) which proves an improvement in gut diversity and a decrease in inflammatory markers. For its part, the meta-analysis by Buffey et al. confirms that a short postprandial walk smooths the glucose curve, thereby limiting cellular stress. Finally, the WAHA clinical study (for nuts) and observational research on circadian rhythms confirm that sleep regularity is crucial for immune balance. While the idea of accomplishing all this in 'less than 5 minutes' is a bit optimistic logistically, the science behind each action is indisputable.

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If you are taking a weight loss aid (such as Ozempic), which alters your gut ecosystem while reducing your appetite, you must prioritize maximizing the quality of every bite with fiber, plants, and proteins.

The idea that these weight loss aid molecules influence our gut ecosystem is supported by research. A literature review published in Frontiers in Endocrinology (2023) indeed indicates changes in the abundance of certain bacteria, notably those promoting good digestive comfort. However, this type of evidence remains mainly observational or based on preclinical models, and randomized clinical trials (RCT) in humans are only just beginning to confirm a uniformly positive effect. Where the creator is particularly accurate is on the management of the plate: the overall reduction in portions consumed mechanically reduces the intake of fiber essential to our friendly bacteria. Recommending a prioritization of plants and proteins is a common-sense strategy, validated by nutrition experts to avoid a drop in energy levels and preserve gut balance during treatment.

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To rapidly reduce plastic compounds (BPA and phthalates) in the body, it is sufficient to change the packaging of your food (avoid plastic and canned goods), use suitable utensils, and pay attention to your hygiene products for one week, without changing the nature of your diet.

This claim is based on a controlled intervention trial recently published in the journal Nature Medicine, a very robust type of evidence for assessing short-term exposure variations. This result is scientifically consistent because BPA and phthalates have a very short half-life in the body and are naturally eliminated within a few days once the source of exposure ceases. A benchmark intervention study conducted by Rudel et al., published in Environmental Health Perspectives, had already observed similar decreases of over 50% in urinary BPA after only three days of fresh, unpackaged food consumption. However, while the decrease of these substances in bodily fluids is rapid and validated, the impact of such a seven-day pause on microplastics accumulated over the longer term in other deep tissues remains to be explored. Nevertheless, the experiment shows incontestably that modifying one's containers rather than one's plate offers a measurable, almost immediate benefit for our lifestyle hygiene.

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To mitigate the drops in mood, fatigue, and inflammation associated with the decline in estrogen after age 40, consume targeted foods (berries, pomegranate, walnuts, green tea, dark chocolate, olive oil) that nourish the intestinal bacteria responsible for producing molecules that protect the body and the brain.

The transition to menopause is indeed accompanied by a modification of the gut microbiota linked to the drop in estrogen, a phenomenon documented by observational studies (notably in the journal Maturitas). The article from Food & Function mentioned highlights the importance of polyphenols in supporting this gut-brain axis during this period. Regarding energy, the conversion of ellagitannins (pomegranate, walnuts) into urolithin A to stimulate mitochondria is supported by randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in Nature Medicine, although it must be specified that only a portion of the population possesses the bacteria necessary for this transformation. Furthermore, the action of polyphenols (green tea, cocoa) on the production of short-chain fatty acids that regulate inflammation is validated by numerous meta-analyses. Nevertheless, presenting these foods as direct and immediate solutions to the symptoms of being in one's forties is an appealing extrapolation, as direct clinical evidence regarding the impact of these specific dietary modifications in perimenopausal women remains preliminary.

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Increasing daily physical activity (particularly through vigorous-intensity movement) and reducing sedentary time significantly reduces the risk of suffering from intestinal disorders and discomfort.

The creator relies on a robust cross-sectional observational study published in *The American Journal of Gastroenterology* (2024), which analyzed objective data from wearable fitness trackers in nearly 44,000 adults. This research confirms that more intense physical activity and a high daily step count are strongly associated with a reduction in digestive discomfort. As the creator wisely points out, the cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow for the establishment of direct causality, but only correlation. In parallel, smaller-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have already demonstrated that structured physical exercise helps to alleviate daily digestive symptoms. The emphasis on 'vigorous activity minutes' as a primary lever is a promising avenue, although it still needs to be confirmed by targeted intervention studies. The creator's communication here is exemplary in its rigor, faithfully translating the science without overselling it.

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Deep imbalances in our vitality are set in motion years before visible warning signs appear; to preserve overall health, one must take proactive steps through a personalized, anti-inflammatory lifestyle based on three pillars: consuming 30 different plants per week, sleeping more than 7 hours per night, and engaging in regular physical activity.

The concept that our internal balance shifts silently long before major imbalances manifest is well-supported by science. For example, the observational study by Arbuckle (NEJM, 2003) demonstrates that markers of immune stress are measurable nearly 9 years before systemic discomfort. Furthermore, the prospective cohort study by Abbott (Neurology, 2001) associates a lasting slowing of transit with changes in the nervous system occurring more than a decade in advance. Although the direct link between these early markers and the specific efficacy of a 30-plant-per-week protocol has not been formally tested by clinical trials for every situation, this recommendation is highly consistent. Indeed, observational data from the American Gut project associate high plant diversity with a more diverse gut microbiome, a key asset for regulating inflammation. Combining this diet with quality sleep and regular exercise constitutes the most robust lifestyle strategy for supporting longevity.

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Adopting a Mediterranean dietary pattern rich in healthy fats (nuts, olive oil) or practicing stress management during pregnancy can positively influence the development of the future baby's brain structure from intrauterine life.

The creator relies on the IMPACT BCN trial, a high-quality randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open in 2023. This rigorous study effectively demonstrates that maternal diet and stress reduction measurably modify certain fetal brain structures on MRI, notably areas related to emotions and brain connectivity. The use of a concrete intervention protocol involving the distribution of key ingredients strengthens the validity of these observations. Nevertheless, the visual hook may imply a spectacular impact on the child's future capabilities. As the creator correctly specifies in their text, there is currently no evidence that these minute initial anatomical variations translate into a long-term cognitive or behavioral advantage. It is a fascinating discovery that scientifically validates the importance of prenatal lifestyle, without overpromising its effects.

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is undergoing a paradigm shift to become PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), a term that reflects that this imbalance is not a simple gynecological issue, but a global condition related to the body's management of sugar, affecting the liver, skin, and energy.

The proposal to rename this condition PMOS is derived from a recent expert consensus published in the prestigious journal The Lancet, aiming to encourage a global rather than segmented approach to the body. Scientific research largely validates this systemic vision: large-scale analyses and observational studies (such as the 2023 international expert recommendations) confirm that this imbalance is deeply linked to the way the body manages sugar (insulin sensitivity) and hormones. The close link between this hormonal signature, liver vitality (notably fat accumulation), and emotional well-being is also solidly documented by science. While presenting this new name as already definitively adopted everywhere in the world is slightly premature—as official classifications often take years to harmonize—the biological reality described is indisputable. This perspective is exciting for the wellness world, as it confirms that diet, movement, and stress management are major levers for harmonizing one's metabolic terrain.

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To soothe skin itching and eczema, target the gut-skin axis: test your blood TMAO levels, consume foods rich in polyphenols (berries, pomegranate, green tea) as well as 30 different plants per week to nourish the intestinal bacterium Akkermansia, and consider a prebiotic supplement protocol.

The study published in the scientific journal *Immunity* provides fascinating preclinical (in animal models) and observational (in humans) evidence regarding communication between our gut and skin sensitivity. It reveals that a decrease in the intestinal bacterium *Akkermansia* promotes an increase in a compound called TMAO, which is associated with skin reactions. Nourishing this microbiota with polyphenols and diversifying plant intake is an excellent wellness practice, widely supported by observational data on general health. However, proposing a blood TMAO test to manage eczema is currently an extrapolation, as we lack randomized clinical trials (RCTs) demonstrating that directly acting on this marker relieves the skin. Finally, the efficacy of the promoted supplement is based on a laboratory model simulating digestion (*in vitro*), which constitutes an encouraging step but does not replace clinical validation in humans.

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Gradually increase your fiber intake to aim for 30 to 50 grams per day, prioritizing a wide variety of plant-based sources to nourish the diversity of your gut microbiota and support your overall well-being.

The assertion that our modern fiber intake (approximately 15g) is insufficient is widely validated by global nutritional surveys. A major meta-analysis published in The Lancet (Reynolds et al., 2019) confirms that aiming for at least 25 to 29g of fiber per day sustainably supports metabolic and cardiovascular vitality. Furthermore, observational studies on traditional populations such as the Hadza (published in Science, 2017) show that a diet rich in wild plants promotes a particularly diverse gut microbiota. The recommendation to increase this intake gradually is an excellent strategy to gently nurture one's friendly bacteria. However, claiming that a lack of fiber is the sole trigger for our modern imbalances is somewhat exaggerated, as stress or a lack of sleep also play key roles. Finally, the idea that our modern biology requires the 100g of fiber our ancestors consumed to function optimally is an extrapolation (expert opinion) and is not a required target for being in peak health.

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Avoid the "sardine fast" (consuming only sardines) as this restriction would deprive the microbiota of essential fibers; instead, integrate this nutritious fish into a diversified, plant-rich diet.

The creator rightly highlights the high nutritional value of sardines, a fact validated by nutritional consensus for their omega-3 and protein content. Their warning regarding the impact of an exclusively animal-based diet on the microbiota is scientifically grounded: a notable intervention study published in *Nature* (David et al., 2014) shows that a plant-free diet alters gut flora in just a few days. Furthermore, a systematic review in *Nutrients* (Barber et al., 2020) confirms that fiber is essential for nourishing the friendly gut bacteria that support our metabolism. The fact that rapid weight loss during such extreme fasts is primarily linked to water loss and an overall reduction in calories is a well-documented physiological phenomenon. Finally, the warning about the excess sodium associated with consuming canned goods exclusively is entirely relevant for maintaining good cardiovascular balance.

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Following an intestinal disturbance (such as food poisoning or antibiotics), persistent bloating may be linked to an alteration of the gut nervous system, which can be soothed by gut-directed hypnotherapy and nourished by soluble fibers to help the intestinal barrier repair itself.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a serious avenue: randomized controlled trials (such as the Peters study in 2016) demonstrate its effectiveness in regulating gut-brain communication and reducing discomfort. The use of soluble fibers is also based on solid evidence, with a key meta-analysis by Moayyedi (2014) confirming that they help relieve chronic digestive imbalances. By nourishing our friendly bacteria, these fibers promote the production of protective molecules for the intestinal wall. However, the explanation of a "physical rewiring" of the nervous system is currently based on an experimental study in mice, which remains an extrapolation for humans. Finally, the specific effectiveness of the cited product (38TERA DMN) comes from preliminary brand data, while conventional and natural sources of soluble fibers already offer very well-documented benefits.

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You can have a bowel movement every day and still be constipated if you have to strain or if you feel an incomplete evacuation, a discomfort often caused by a lack of appropriate fiber.

The fact that constipation is not limited to frequency is entirely accurate. According to Rome IV criteria (expert consensus), symptoms such as straining or the sensation of incomplete evacuation characterize constipation, even with daily transit. Regarding fiber, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirms that fiber intake, particularly soluble fiber, significantly improves stool consistency and facilitates transit. However, stating that a lack of specific fibers is the number one cause is a simplification. Observational studies show that hydration, physical activity, and pelvic muscle dynamics play an equally decisive role in these sensations of blockage.

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The nature of your flatulence (silent and malodorous vs. noisy and odorless) indicates different digestive processes and reveals information about your gut health.

Science partially validates this distinction through the research of Dr. Michael Levitt (physiological and observational studies). Malodorous flatulence stems from the production of sulfur gases by specific bacteria when they ferment proteins or certain vegetables. Conversely, noisy but odorless gas results more from swallowed air or the rapid fermentation of fibers, generating neutral gases. However, the idea that the volume or noise reveals the quality of our microbiome is an exaggeration, as the acoustics depend on purely mechanical factors such as pressure and local anatomy. Thus, while the odor does reflect the chemistry of our digestion, the noise does not translate the state of our internal ecosystem.

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To avoid bloating and digestive discomfort, you must increase your fiber intake very gradually to give your gut microbiota time to adapt, rather than changing everything at once.

The idea of introducing fiber gradually to optimize intestinal comfort is based on solid scientific foundations. A review of clinical studies published by Barber et al. in Nutrients (2020) confirms that a sudden increase in fiber intake can temporarily overload our gut bacteria, leading to bloating caused by fermentation. Furthermore, a gut microbiome follow-up study published in Nature by David et al. (2014) shows that our microorganisms adapt remarkably to dietary changes, provided they are given time to adjust. Comparing the digestive system to a 'muscle' is a simplified analogy, but it perfectly illustrates this concept of training and the progression necessary for our internal ecosystem. However, it must be noted that certain individual digestive sensitivities may require targeted choices regarding the type of fiber, beyond just the speed of introduction. Overall, this strategy of gradual integration is widely validated by digestive health experts.

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Low mood is not just all in your head: a common pollutant (DEA) can interact with a bacterium in our gut (*Morganella morganii*) to produce an altered fatty molecule that activates our defense signals and triggers inflammation, impacting our mental well-being.

The creator successfully popularizes a highly specialized mechanistic study conducted by a team at Harvard University (published in a major scientific journal). This laboratory work (in vitro and animal model evidence) details precisely how an industrial pollutant interacts with our gut microbiota to generate inflammatory signaling molecules. The association between the presence of the bacterium *M. morganii* and mood disorders is based on observational studies in humans. The creator accurately specifies that this is a mechanistic study and not a clinical trial, thereby avoiding any misleading shortcuts. Therefore, it is not proven that exposure to DEA directly causes depression in any particular individual, but this research provides a solid building block for understanding the gut-brain axis.

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Fatigue, bloating, brain fog, joint pain, skin issues, and anxiety all stem from a single cause: inflammation. Identifying your own 'inflammation phenotype' allows you to target and resolve these discomforts.

The idea that underlying chronic inflammation influences our overall vitality is widely supported by science. A review article published in Nature Medicine (Furman et al., 2019, expert consensus and observational data) links diffuse systemic inflammation to joint discomfort and a general decline in energy. Furthermore, the links between gut comfort (bloating) and mental well-being (anxiety, mental clarity) via the gut-brain axis are documented by observational studies showing how gut balance modulates the stress response. However, asserting that these six discomforts stem from one single source is a simplification, as they also depend on sleep, genetics, and lifestyle. Finally, the concept of a personalized 'inflammation phenotype' remains an appealing theoretical approach: although clinical research is exploring specific inflammatory profiles, there is no self-assessment method validated by randomized clinical trials (RCT) to define one's own profile at home.

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To avoid a lasting loss of precious gut bacteria, you must send them a regular signal by consuming fiber, polyphenols, and resistant starch daily, as these bacteria actively detect the presence of food to survive.

The ability of bacteria to detect and move toward nutrients (chemotaxis) is a biological fact solidly established by fundamental in vitro research. Furthermore, the importance of fiber in nourishing our gut ecosystem is widely demonstrated by meta-analyses of clinical trials (such as that of Barber et al., 2020). As for the idea that certain families of bacteria can go extinct if they lack food, it draws on pioneering work by the team of Justin Sonnenburg at Stanford (published in Nature in 2016, animal observation model) showing that a prolonged fiber deficit depletes bacterial diversity over several generations. In human adults, a temporary gap reduces the activity of these bacteria rather than eliminating them instantly, because our microbiota is resilient in the short term. The creator's emphasis on daily consistency rather than perfection is therefore an excellent recommendation supported by the consensus of nutrition experts.

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To nourish the entire colon, it is necessary to combine three types of prebiotics: fast-fermenting soluble fibers for the first part, slow-fermenting resistant starch for the second half, and polyphenols.

The distribution of fermentation along the colon is a well-established biological concept. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), through its expert opinions, confirms that the synergy between fibers and polyphenols, typical of the Mediterranean diet, is ideal for microbiota diversity. Observational studies also support the link between resistant starch consumption, butyrate production, and intestinal barrier health. Similarly, the positive effect of polyphenols on friendly bacteria such as Akkermansia is documented in basic research. However, the evidence of efficacy presented for the specific product is based on an M-SHIME study, which is a laboratory simulation model (in vitro). Although these results are fascinating for understanding fermentation mechanisms, they do not replace a randomized clinical trial (RCT) on humans to confirm these increases in short-chain fatty acids in real life.

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Simplify your nutrition by avoiding extremes (such as the beef tallow trend) to focus on sustainable habits: reducing ultra-processed products and prioritizing whole, balanced foods.

The call to simplify one's diet by reducing ultra-processed products in favor of whole foods is solidly supported by modern science. A comprehensive systematic review published in the BMJ by Lane et al. (2024, level of evidence: review of meta-analyses) directly associates the reduction of these industrial products with improved overall vitality. Regarding the use of beef tallow as a wellness aid, research remains skeptical: a meta-analysis by Mozaffarian in PLOS Medicine (2016) shows that replacing animal saturated fats with plant-based unsaturated fats promotes better metabolic health. Furthermore, the observational study by the American Gut Project conducted by McDonald et al. (2018) confirms that it is the diversity of plant fibers, rather than pure animal fats, that optimally supports the gut microbiota. Returning to a simple, varied diet rich in unprocessed products is therefore the most robust long-term strategy.

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Expose yourself to daylight and spend time outdoors early in the morning to improve your overall health and vitality.

Exposure to morning natural light is a fundamental pillar for synchronizing our internal clock, which regulates our energy and rest cycles. A meta-analysis published in Sleep Medicine Reviews demonstrates that bright morning light helps calibrate melatonin production, thereby improving sleep quality and daytime mood. Furthermore, the simple act of going outside, particularly in a green environment, provides cumulative benefits for the nervous system. A large observational study published in Scientific Reports highlights that spending at least two hours per week in nature is strongly correlated with better overall well-being. This morning habit also promotes the synthesis of vitamin D, which is essential for our energy levels, although this remains dependent on weather and season. It is a scientifically validated, accessible habit with no contraindications for optimizing one's lifestyle.

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Improving children's gut health by enriching their diet with fiber and whole plant-based foods directly supports their immune system, mood, and skin health.

The idea that fiber supports children’s natural defenses rests on solid scientific foundations: reviews of studies (such as the one published in *Nutrients* in 2021) confirm that fiber nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, which are essential to the development of immunity from a very young age. Regarding the skin, the link is also well-documented, notably by meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (such as in *JAMA Pediatrics*) showing that a balanced gut helps prevent infant skin sensitivities. Conversely, the connection to mood in children is more nuanced: while the gut-brain axis is fascinating, current evidence comes primarily from observational studies or laboratory models, as highlighted by a review in the journal *European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry*. Encouraging fiber consumption remains an excellent initiative, as the majority of children lack it, but the analysis of gas and stool as precise indicators of overall health is sometimes overly simplified. In short, enriching children's plates with plants is a superb wellness strategy, even if the effects on mood should not be presented as an immediate miracle solution.