Eating too much meat, sugar and alcohol can lead to inflammatory gut bugs

New research has revealed that a diet high in animal products, processed foods, alcohol and sugar may give you gut bacteria that encourages inflammation.

The same study also found that regularly eating nuts, oily fish, fruit, vegetables and wholegrains was linked to a higher abundance of ‘good’ bacteria.

The gut microbiome plays a role in regulating the immune system. An imbalance in good gut bacteria can lead to conditions including, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.

The study published in the Gut online journal was conducted on 1425 individuals who had previously been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or who had normal gut microbes. The findings suggest that dietary changes may help to ease gastrointestinal inflammation.

Although this was an observational study, and there is no clear answer as to how long it takes for gut bacteria to respond to dietary modifications, the evidence is still promising. This research shows that long-term diets rich plant foods, and lower in animal foods, alcohol, processed high-fat meat and soft drinks may prevent inflammation in the gut.

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