Your gut microbiome is a dynamic community of trillions of microorganisms, mostly bacteria, but also viruses, fungi, and archaea, that live primarily in your large intestine. Every person’s microbiome is unique, kind of like a fingerprint. And like a neighborhood, it can be balanced and thriving, or out of sync and struggling.

There’s a common refrain that once you hit 30, your metabolism “slows to a crawl.” If you've noticed weight creeping on more easily, energy dipping, or workouts feeling different than they used to, these are all common changes you may experience. Here’s what’s happening to your metabolism after 30, and what you can do to feel strong, energised, and in tune with your body.