Overview
- A Yakult-commissioned poll of 2,000 UK adults reports 27% blame low temperatures, 28% wet hair, 22% draughts, and 29% believe cold weakens immunity.
- Registered dietitian Lucy Kerrison reiterates that viruses cause colds and recommends supporting immune function through gut health.
- She notes that about 70% of immune cells are associated with the gut and advises dietary diversity across plant foods to nurture beneficial microbes.
- Advice includes fermented options such as live yoghurt, kimchi, and fermented milk drinks, with a focus on products listing strain names and bacterial counts.
- The survey finds 42% struggle to keep gut-healthy habits in winter, 41% crave heavier foods, 27% seek wellness tips on social media, and 63% find online advice confusing, as Yakult’s Dr Holly Neill cautions against blanket trends like cutting gluten.