Cell: Fermented food diet increases intestinal microbial diversity and reduces inflammation

In a clinical trial, 36 healthy adults were randomly assigned to a 10-week diet group, which included fermented or high-fiber foods

Eating yogurt, kefir, fermented cheese, Korean kimchi and other fermented vegetables, vegetable brine drinks, and kombucha can increase the overall microbial diversity, and the larger the amount, the better the effect

In addition, the four types of immune cells showed less activation in the fermented food group

"A diet that targets microorganisms can change the immune status and provide a promising way for healthy adults to reduce inflammation.

The research was published in the July 12th issue of Cell

Microbial diversity is stable in a diet rich in fiber

In contrast, participants who consumed a high-fiber diet rich in legumes, seeds, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits did not reduce any of these 19 inflammatory proteins

A lot of evidence shows that diet can shape the gut microbiota, thereby affecting the immune system and overall health

"We want to conduct a proof-of-concept study to test whether foods that target microorganisms can be a way to fight chronic inflammatory diseases

Researchers focused on fiber and fermented foods because of previous reports that they have potential health benefits

The researchers analyzed blood and stool samples collected three weeks before the experiment, ten weeks after a diet, and four weeks after the diet

These findings describe the effects of diet on gut microbes and immune status in nuance

Design a diet and microbiological strategy

The results of the study also showed that more fiber intake resulted in more carbohydrates in the stool sample, which indicated that the intestinal microbes did not completely degrade fiber

"It is very likely that a longer period of intervention will make the microbiota fully adapt to the increase in fiber consumption

In addition to exploring these possibilities, the researchers also plan to conduct studies in mice to study the molecular mechanisms by which diet changes the microbiome and reduces inflammatory proteins

"There are many ways to target the microbiota through food and supplements.

Journal Reference :

1. Hannah C.