When gut microbes run low on fiber, they may start eating you
Researchers are investigating how plant-based diets influence gut microbiome metabolism and the production of beneficial compounds. New studies suggest that dietary fiber and plant proteins can shift microbial activity to reduce harmful metabolites.
Why it matters
Understanding the link between diet and gut health could lead to personalized nutritional therapies and better management of metabolic diseases.
Plant based diets support health in several ways, including benefits for the gut, immune system, metabolism, and cardiovascular system. Part of that effect comes from encouraging a diverse population of bacteria in the intestines. Scientists have long known that dietary fiber contributes to these benefits because gut microbes help break it down. Plants also contain colorful "phytochemicals" that help protect them from environmental threats and may influence human health. Even so, researchers are still working to understand exactly how gut bacteria process the many components of plant foods and how those interactions produce beneficial effects.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in