This Type of Food May Be the Key to Gut Health
The old saying, "You are what you eat," couldn't be more accurate when it comes to the relationship between our diet, the gut microbiome, and the immune system. Recent research has shed light on how specific dietary choices, like plant-based fiber and fermented foods, can significantly influence the complex interplay between our gut microbiome and our immune defenses. In a groundbreaking 17-week study involving healthy adults, researchers uncovered some intriguing revelations about the impact of these dietary interventions on our overall health.
High-Fiber Diet & Fermented Food Diet
One of the key findings of the study was the way the high-fiber diet affected the microbiome. Despite maintaining stable microbial diversity, a high-fiber diet was shown to increase enzymes called CAZymes, which play an important role in breaking down complex carbohydrates into more accessible nutrients (Wastyk et al., 2021).
In contrast, the high-fermented-food diet had its own set of remarkable effects. Not only did it lead to an increase in microbiome diversity, but it also contributed to a decrease in inflammatory markers (Wastyk et al., 2021). This outcome suggests that incorporating more fermented foods into your diet could have the potential to counteract the pervasive issues of decreased microbiome diversity and increased inflammation that are all too common in modern society (Wastyk et al., 2021).
Fermented Foods: A Key to a Healthier Microbiome?
While this research is still in its early stages, the results suggest that fermented foods can be a valuable addition to your diet. They not only promote a diverse microbiome but also help reduce inflammation, which is often a precursor to various chronic health issues (Wastyk et al., 2021). By making conscious dietary choices, we have the power to positively impact our gut microbiome and immune system, ultimately contributing to better overall health and well-being.
If you’re wanting to support your gut heath and aren’t sure where to start, call our front desk to schedule a visit with Dr. Tiffany Althaus, who specializes in supporting GI health. 425-679-6056.
Reference
Wastyk, H. C., Fragiadakis, G. K., Perelman, D., Dahan, D., Merrill, B. D., Yu, F. B., Topf, M., Gonzalez, C. G., Van Treuren, W., Han, S., Robinson, J. L., Elias, J. E., Sonnenburg, E. D., Gardner, C. D., & Sonnenburg, J. L. (2021). Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. Cell, 184(16). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.019