SEVEN in 10 Brits turn to AI and social media for life advice over their gut feeling – shows a survey by a gut health brand.
Research commissioned by a new gut health dairy brand, Arla Cultura, found that out of 2,000 adults, 48% had ignored their own gut instincts in the past and ended up regretting it – especially when it came to love, finances and careers.
When they were not trusting their gut feeling, 36% of surveyors said that tech guided their biggest life decisions multiple times each month.
Stuart Ibberson, spokesperson for Arla Cultura said: “Brits are scrolling for answers, but some of the best guidance comes from within.
“Trusting your instincts starts with caring for your gut – and with our new range, we have made this the priority, designed with this in mind.
“Whether it is decisions about love, money or diet, technology can certainly help, but it can not replace the instinctive signals our bodies give us.”
The research, carried out by OnePoll.com, found that when it came to everyday choices, 90% of people had turned to technology before making their minds up about something.
Arla Cultura also discovered that 54% of participants consulted with AI, Google, and social media for advice on their health, as well as big financial decisions (29%) and their career paths (21%).
In a bid to give Brits the confidence to trust their gut, Arla Cultura teamed up with straight-talking comedian Rachel Fairburn, who took Gut Chats to the streets of London to unearth the public’s biggest regrets as a result of ignoring their gut instincts.
People said they regret ignoring their gut feeling for things including red flags in relationships, to making disruptive life decisions and taking the leap into a new job.
A fifth (22%) of Brits said they rely on tech numerous times throughout the day – from help with parenting to problems at work.
Those polled most frequently consulted the internet on travel plans and health concerns (both 54%), everyday finances (40%) and decisions around food (34%).
Taking steps to improve gut health was apparent for participants, with 55% of them drinking more water, 44% prioritising regular exercise, and 40% eating more fibre-rich foods.
At the same time, almost all respondents (96%) believed that gut health is important to overall wellbeing, despite 30% of them not feeling confident about the steps they need to take to improve their digestive health.
Not only that, but 65% of those polled had never heard of the ‘gut-brain connection’, often described as the in-built communication between the brain and the digestive system.
But trusting a gut instinct is not always easy, with 16% wishing they had done so more with their health, and nine per cent felt the same about food.
Over a third (36%) of Brits admitted to often eating things they know their body would disagree with.
Ibberson said: “The human body is incredibly complex, so it is no surprise many of us are not sure how to improve digestive health, despite believing it’s important.
“The good news is it does not need to be complicated.
“There are simple steps everyone can take, like opting for fibre-rich foods and adding variety to your diet where you can.”
