The importance of a healthy diet in preventing chronic diseases cannot be overstated. A recent study has shown that adopting a diet inspired by non-industrialized societies can lead to significant improvements in metabolic and immunological health. The findings of this study, published in Cell, revealed that participants who followed this diet experienced weight loss, reduced bad cholesterol levels, decreased blood sugar, and lower levels of inflammation markers in just three weeks.
The research, led by Professor Jens Walter of University College Cork, focused on developing a diet that mimics the traditional eating habits of non-industrialized communities. The diet, known as the NiMe (Non-industrialized Microbiome Restore) diet, aims to restore the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and metabolism. By incorporating L. reuteri, a beneficial bacterium found in the gut of Papua New Guineans, the diet was able to enhance the diversity of the gut microbiome and reduce pro-inflammatory bacteria.
The NiMe diet is plant-based, with a focus on vegetables, legumes, and whole-plant foods. It excludes dairy, beef, and wheat, as these are not part of the traditional diet of non-industrialized communities. The diet is also low in processed foods high in sugar and saturated fat, and rich in fiber, exceeding current dietary recommendations.
The study highlights the potential of targeting the gut microbiome through specific diets to improve health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The recipes from the NiMe diet will be made available to the public through social media and an online cookbook, with the aim of promoting better health through diet.
These findings have the potential to shape future dietary guidelines and inspire the development of new food products and therapeutics that target the microbiome. By making simple changes to our diet and incorporating more plant-based, fiber-rich foods, we can improve our overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
