Evidence is mounting that diversity and richness are also good for your gut microbiota
You are microbial and your large intestine has been described as one of the most densely populated ecosystems on Earth. And in this relationship, both parties win. Your gut is home to over 100 trillion microbes. At the same time, gut microbes (mostly bacteria, but also viruses, fungi, and protozoa) produce thousands of metabolites and complement many host functions, including food digestion and cell development. immune system.
However, the delicate balance established between the different intestinal microorganisms can be disturbed by modern lifestyle and chronic diseases.
The high number of different species and their uniform distribution in the intestine (diversity) and their number of genes as a measure of their potential functions (richness), rather than the composition of the intestinal microbiota alone, are characteristics of the intestinal microbiota observed in healthy people and are diminished in disease.
What are the scientific ways to restore a high level of richness and stability of the intestinal microbiota?
Birth type and diet in early life are the body’s first encounters with beneficial microbes, and the period marks an important stage in the development of these microbes’ relationship with humans.
As we age, lifestyle and diet in particular become the most powerful tool we have to maintain a rich gut microbiota and a healthy gut. Specific foods, nutrients, and diet in general can all influence the abundance and function of gut microorganisms, which in turn can affect health and quality of life.
The best recipe for achieving wealth and diversity goals is to include in diets plenty of plant-based foods high in fiber and polyphenols, foods high in omega-3s and glutamine, and fermented foods that provide live microbes with potential health benefits.
In this interview on the occasion of the 10e anniversary of the GMFH, Dr. Joël Doré, research director at INRAE’s Micalis Institute and MetaGenoPolis, provides an update on why taking care of our close relationship with our microbes is crucial for the balance of human health.
Take a look at our previous expert interviews here:
Stay tuned for upcoming video interviews with other GMFH Expert Council members and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter (@GMFHx and @GutMicrobiotaWW) using the hashtag #GMFH10Years.
