A major study has found that Western diets increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer.
This milestone review, conducted by APC Microbiome Ireland, an SFI Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC), and Teagasc, looked at how different diets affect our gut microbiome—the community of microorganisms living in our intestines—and how changes in this balance impact our health.
The review, titled “The interplay between diet and the gut microbiome: implications for health and disease,” was published in Nature Reviews Microbiology.
Led by Professor Catherine Stanton, an APC principal investigator and senior research officer at Teagasc, the study examined six common diets: Mediterranean, high-fiber, plant-based, high-protein, ketogenic, and Western diets.
The study shows that different diets significantly change the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome.
One key finding is the importance of molecules produced during metabolism, such as short-chain fatty acids, which play a crucial role in maintaining gut health.
The review highlights the harmful effects of the Western diet, which is high in fat and sugar, compared to the benefits of diets rich in plant-based and high-fiber foods.
In contrast, the Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, helps manage conditions like cardiovascular disease, IBD, and type 2 diabetes.
“Our review highlights the profound impact of different diets on the gut microbiome,” said Prof. Stanton. “This understanding is crucial for developing dietary recommendations that promote health and prevent disease. It’s fascinating to see how dietary choices can influence the balance of microorganisms in our gut and their metabolic functions.”
The findings provide valuable insights for the food industry and health care professionals, helping them make informed decisions about diet and health. The detailed analysis of how different diets affect the microbiome lays the groundwork for developing targeted nutritional therapies and improving public health outcomes.
Prof. Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland and co-director of UCC Futures Microbiome and Health, emphasized the significance of the study. “This review is a significant milestone in microbiome research.
It provides a detailed look at how dietary patterns shape the gut microbiome and underscores the potential for diet-based interventions in clinical practice. It provides tangible data on how the microbiome is intrinsically relevant to creating health benefits for society.”
The review also calls for more exhaustive studies to better understand the causal relationships between individuals, their diet, and microorganisms. This understanding is vital for advancing precision nutrition and developing microbiome-based therapies tailored to individual health needs.
In summary, the study underscores the importance of diet in influencing our gut microbiome and overall health.
It highlights the dangers of the Western diet and the benefits of diets rich in plant-based and high-fiber foods, paving the way for better dietary recommendations and health outcomes.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about how ultra-processed foods and red meat influence your longevity, and why seafood may boost healthy aging.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
