Did you know that what you eat can affect the balance of inflammation in your body?
A recent study published in Gut has found a link between dietary choices and the gut microbiome’s impact on inflammation.
The findings suggest that making dietary modifications, such as incorporating more plant-based foods, can help ease inflammation and promote better health. Let’s dive into the details of this research.
The bacteria in our gut, known as the microbiome, play a crucial role in regulating inflammation in the body.
An imbalance in this ecosystem can contribute to various inflammatory conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Researchers examined the relationship between diet, gut microbes, and intestinal inflammation in 1425 individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or a normal gut.
The study identified certain dietary factors that were consistently associated with specific types of gut bacteria and their inflammatory activity.
Consuming plant-based foods and fish was linked to “friendly” bacterial species that promote anti-inflammatory activity. These foods include nuts, oily fish, fruits, vegetables, and cereals.
They were found to increase the abundance of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which help control inflammation and protect the gut lining.
In contrast, processed foods and animal-derived foods were consistently associated with a higher abundance of “opportunistic” bacterial species involved in pro-inflammatory activity.
These findings highlight the potential negative effects of diets high in animal products and processed foods.
Red wine consumption was linked to an increase in bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. However, total alcohol intake, spirits, and sugar were associated with friendly microbial species and functions.
Coffee intake was associated with a higher abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria. Fermented dairy products like buttermilk and yogurt were strongly linked to anti-inflammatory bacteria.
Certain food clusters were consistently associated with lower levels of pro-inflammatory bacteria and inflammatory activity. These clusters included bread, legumes (such as lentils, peas, and chickpeas), fish, and nuts.
On the other hand, a fast-food cluster consisting of meats, french fries, mayonnaise, and soft drinks was linked to “unfriendly” bacteria and increased inflammation.
These dietary patterns and associations were observed across all study participants, including those with inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
The study suggests that long-term diets enriched in legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, with a higher intake of plant-based foods over animal foods, can help prevent intestinal inflammatory processes through the gut microbiome.
Making informed dietary choices can have a significant impact on inflammation in the body.
A plant-based diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, along with low-fat fermented dairy and fish, shows promise in promoting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing inflammation.
On the other hand, diets high in processed foods, animal-derived products, and sugar contribute to an imbalance in gut bacteria and increased inflammation.
By embracing a plant-based eating approach, you can support your gut health and potentially reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Scientific Diet. All rights reserved.
