Gut Bugs & Blue Zones
Last year, I watched Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones and Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut on Netflix, and I have to say, even with all my gut health knowledge, I came away with some fresh perspectives I could not wait to share. If you are looking for a cozy Sunday evening wind down with a cup of tea, these are perfect.
Hack Your Health dives into the gut microbiome and how our daily habits affect it. I knew it all, of course, but seeing it presented in a way that connects the dots so clearly is brilliant and it reminded me why those little tweaks we often overlook, like diet variety and lifestyle choices, really do make a difference. The visuals were beautiful to see as well and actually quite cute if you want your children to watch it too.
Live to 100 is the ultimate big picture documentary. Watching it made me realise how much other cultures have naturally built into their lives compared to England, and suddenly it all made sense why these communities are called ‘the Blue Zones.’ I even found myself thinking, “I want to live on top of a hill and cut all my furniture legs in half.” Watch it and you will understand why.
What I loved most is how these two documentaries complement each other. Hack Your Health shows what is happening inside your body, while Live to 100 shows the lifestyle around it. And honestly, this is what gut health really comes back to. It is the combination of both that gives the best results for longevity.
Here are a few key takeaways and tips I wanted to share with you:
Variety is key: Even small changes in diet, more colourful vegetables, fermented foods, and whole grains, support a balanced gut.
Lifestyle matters: Walking, moving naturally, and connecting with others all play a huge role in long-term health.
Slow down and enjoy life: Sunday wind-downs, me-time, and reducing stress are just as important as what is on your plate.
Small tweaks add up: Swap a sugary snack for fruit or add an extra plant-based meal here and there. It all makes a difference over time.
Learn from other cultures: Blue Zone communities show that longevity comes from routine, habits, and environment, not a single miracle food.
Family-friendly learning: Hack Your Health is visually engaging and a good educator for older kids too.
Balance science and chill: Watch Hack Your Health for a deeper dive and Live to 100 when you just want a relaxing, inspiring watch.
I am sharing this because I want you to take the same “aha” moments I did. These documentaries are relaxing, engaging, and full of ideas that reinforce what I already practice and they might just inspire a few tweaks in your own life too. Perfect for a Sunday evening chill out.
If you want an order, I would say Hack Your Health is a bit science-heavy, although it really breaks it down in layman terms, but Live to 100 is actually a gorgeous Sunday chill-out watch if you just want to relax.
