New research suggests three in ten UK adults have set themselves a health-based resolution to start this year. Many say they will take part in a detox or cleanse to remove toxins, lose weight, and promote health this month. But is this the right thing to do, and are we being given the right advice, information and products to get us on our way? The MAC TWINS think not.

Lisa and Alana aka the Mac Twins and founders of THE GUT STUFF, had done every fad diet under the sun, including the cabbage soup diet pre-Magaluf 2005 (remember that?) and grew up in Scotland eating deep-fried pizza and chips, plus all of Edinburgh’s supply of Yum Yums. They only knew what kale was because they used to feed it to the guinea pig on his birthday.

That all flip-reversed when they volunteered to be part of the TwinsUK research at King’s College London. Twins are a great constant for medical research, and they became the ‘chief guinea pigs’ (without being ged kale) for the British Gut Project. After a lot of sending their poo off in the post, and a couple of colonoscopies, they discovered that despite having 100% of the same DNA, their guts shared only 30–40% of the same microbiota, which could explain why their bodies behave so differently. 

We spoke to Lisa and Alana to get their take on a healthy outlook to the new year, and whether a detox or cleanse really is the way to go…..

Lisa and Alana were DJs (The Mac Twins) at the time, so couldn’t have been further from the health and wellness world, but as soon as they realised how big the gaps were they became passionate about bringing this information to EVERYONE and so their ‘gut journey’ began.

To delve deeper in your gut, and see what the twins are up to, just go here. THE GUT STUFF

Every year over 16,000 people die from bowel cancer in the UK and over a million suffer from bowel disease. The tests are easy, and vital, so if you receive an invitation to do yours don’t pass it by – it could save your life.

Bowel Screening Wales is responsible for the NHS bowel screening programme in Wales. The screening aims to find cancer at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective. Early detection is key. At least 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer if it’s found and treated early.

The test kit is designed to measure how much blood is in your poo and can be completed at home. Once you have sent your test your results will be back with you within two weeks. Men and women aged between 60 and 74, and who are living in Wales are invited to take the test every two years.

For more information on the process, go here – BOWEL SCREENING

The brilliant charity BOWEL RESEARCH UK is funding life-changing research into bowel cancer and other bowel diseases. By researching cutting edge treatments and investing in the best science, they’re saving and improving people’s lives

Bowel Research UK was founded in 2020 following a merger between two well-respected charities: Bowel & Cancer Research and Bowel Disease Research Foundation (BDRF). They are the UK’s leading specialist bowel cancer and bowel disease research charity and their research is saving and improving lives.

In fact the charity held a webinar with Lisa & Alana today (20th January), to find out more, and learn about the charity, go here – BOWEL RESEARCH UK