How to build muscle & stay strong at any age: The surprising links between your gut health, strength training and healthy ageing

Professor Claire Steves and Professor Tim Spector discuss the emerging science of the gut-muscle axis — how gut bacteria influence muscle strength and growth. They explain why muscles are more than just movement organs, acting as an endocrine system that talks to the rest of the body. The conversation covers anabolic resistance, the protein myth, and why a Mediterranean diet might improve muscle and bone health even without exercise. Practical tips include a simple balance habit while brushing teeth and the importance of plant diversity for muscle-supporting gut microbes.