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Feel Better, Live More · May 19, 2026 · 1h 32m

The Simple Nutrient That Could Transform Your Gut Health, Brain Power & Longevity with Dr Emily Leeming

Dr Emily Leeming, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
Show Notes

Dr Emily Leeming, a dietitian and researcher at King's College London, discusses why 96% of people aren't getting enough fibre and why this matters for gut health, brain function, metabolism, mood, and disease prevention. She explains how fibre feeds gut microbes and explores evidence linking adequate fibre intake to lower rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, bowel cancer, and depression. The episode includes practical frameworks for increasing fibre intake without overhauling diet or causing digestive distress, with special guidance for people with IBS, type 2 diabetes, menopause, and specific dietary restrictions.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Canon

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Fibre feeds gut microbes which influence metabolism, immunity, brain, and disease risk
Dietary fibre feeds the trillions of microbes in the gut, and the compounds these microbes produce have systemic effects on immune function, metabolism, brain health, hormone regulation, and long-term disease risk.
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Adequate fibre intake reduces type 2 diabetes, heart disease, bowel cancer, and depression
Evidence links higher dietary fibre intake to significantly lower rates of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, and depression.
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Highlights

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96% of people don't get enough fibre
The vast majority of people are significantly deficient in dietary fibre intake, falling well short of recommended levels.
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Editorial

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Increase fibre gradually with practical frameworks — not dietary overhauls
Dr Leeming provides simple, memorable frameworks for adding fibre to existing meals without complete diet restructuring, spending more money, or triggering digestive distress.
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Blanket fibre advice doesn't work for IBS, type 2 diabetes, menopause, or specific diets
People with certain conditions or dietary patterns (IBS, type 2 diabetes, menopause, specific religious or ethical diets) need personalized fibre strategies rather than generic recommendations.
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References

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Fibre Power — Dr Emily Leeming (2026) — Guest's new book making the case that fibre is the most underrated nutrient in modern diets

Misc

✧Dr Leeming has a unique background combining nutrition science, clinical patient work, AND professional cooking experience
✧She's running a major bowel cancer study at King's College investigating why rates in under-50s are rising
✧The episode emphasizes practical, real-kitchen solutions rather than prescriptive dietary overhauls
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