Tim Spector explains that when fasting, a different set of bacteria appear in the gut as the bacteria that depend on food die away or go into a bit of a sleep, and others that live off the debris and the rubbish that's left behind come out and multiply.

Jonathan Wolff mentions that each time we eat, the brain sends signals to the gut, mobilising an army of specialist microbes, some of which have a taste for something a little more human, such as Acomanthia munisphilia, which feeds off the surface of the gut when the food-loving microbes disappear.

Tim Spector adds that Acomanthia feeds off the surface of the gut, which is free of food and other food-eating microbes, and trims down the sugars on the mucus layer, allowing the gut layer to keep regenerating new cells.

Tim Spector emphasizes the constant repair processes of our bodies, shedding light on the importance of giving night-time microbes a chance to work and keeping our immune system strong.

Tim Spector expresses excitement about discovering the optimum period of fasting for most people through the Big If study, highlighting the need for tailored fasting plans for individuals.

Jonathan Wolff discusses the impact of intermittent fasting, mentioning reported benefits such as increased energy, elevated mood, and weight loss, and encourages participation in the Big If study.