Industrial societies losing healthy gut microbes

The article delves into the importance of fiber for gut health and the decline of cellulose-degrading bacteria in modern societies. Fiber, mainly from plants, maintains a balanced gut microbiome crucial for digestion. Recent findings show a decrease in these bacteria, especially in communities with low fiber diets, highlighting the significance of prioritizing fiber intake.

Researchers highlight the vital role of cellulose-degrading bacteria like Ruminococcus in breaking down fiber. However, these bacteria are dwindling in industrialized societies, likely due to dietary and lifestyle changes. The loss of these microbes may have lasting effects on gut health, impacting the intricate ecosystem within the digestive system.

Experts advocate for increased consumption of fiber-rich foods to support a healthy gut microbiome. Encouraging individuals to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could help reverse the decline of beneficial bacteria in the gut. By promoting dietary choices that nourish these microbes, people can safeguard their gut health amid modern dietary and lifestyle shifts.