More than 100 trillion bacteria live in the human gut.1 In fact, throughout the body, microbes outnumber human cells by about 10-to-(1.2)
While the thought of playing host to so many microbes can be unsettling,
these “gut bugs,” most of which live in the colon, have very important jobs. Friendly bacteria can help protect the body from disease-causing bacteria. They can break down fiber and other undigested carbohydrates to produce substances that provide us with energy. They can even make vitamin K and some B vitamins.(3)
Age, genes, and diet may all affect gut flora.(4)
However, research suggests diet may be key to determining what sorts of bacteria make their home in the intestines (5,6).
This makes sense, since different types of bacteria thrive on different types of food. Long-term intake appears to have the greatest influence (6), but changes in gut bacteria can be seen just 24 hours after a diet shift.(5)
While the health effects of having gut bugs associated with different diets still need further study, new research suggests that food could interact with flora in ways that just might alter disease risk.
The best bacterial flora you will get eating food humans are best designed for: fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, all in natural raw state, in mono meals.
Age, genes, and diet may all affect gut flora.(4)
However, research suggests diet may be key to determining what sorts of bacteria make their home in the intestines (5,6).
This makes sense, since different types of bacteria thrive on different types of food. Long-term intake appears to have the greatest influence (6), but changes in gut bacteria can be seen just 24 hours after a diet shift.(5)
While the health effects of having gut bugs associated with different diets still need further study, new research suggests that food could interact with flora in ways that just might alter disease risk.
The best bacterial flora you will get eating food humans are best designed for: fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, all in natural raw state, in mono meals.
References
1. Moschen AR, Wieser V, Tilg H. Dietary factors: major regulators of the gut's microbiota. Gut Liver. 2012;6:411-416.
2. National Institutes of Health. NIH Human Microbiome Project defines normal bacterial makeup of the body: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jun2012/nhgri-13.htm.
3. Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S. Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2004.
4. Wu GD, Chen J, Hoffmann C, et al. Linking long-term dietary patterns with gut microbial enterotypes. Science. 2011;334:105–108.
5. Moreno-Indias I, Cardona F, Tinahones FJ, Queipo-Ortuño MI. Impact of the gut microbiota on the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Front Microbiol. 2014;5:190.
6. Jeffery IB, O’Toole PW. Diet-microbiota interactions and their implications for healthy living. Nutrients. 2013;5:234–252.
