Following a diverse diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fermented foods, could play a protective role against severe forms of COVID-19. A new review presents the hypothesis highlighting the link between a less diversified microbiota, a high intake of processed foods and refined sugars and severe Covid-19 cases in Western countries.

Our Top 10 2020 gut microbiota articles

5 Jan 2021

by GMFH Editing Team

This year’s research has brought to light many interesting advances in the field of gut health and has unveiled some of the microbiota’s secrets. We have discussed the impact of diet, immunity, fermented foods, the characteristics of gut health, and of course we also covered COVID-19. So, can you guess what GMFH’s 10 most popular articles of 2020 were?

The metabolic activity of immune cells is enhanced after a viral infection, such as the one driven by COVID-19. Dietary approaches that support a healthy gut microbiome can benefit the immune system and ensure a good nutritional status that would help the host deal with pathogens.

Scientists have started to investigate the role gut microbiota might play in either protecting against COVID-19 or on the contrary in increasing vulnerability to severe symptomatic disease. Any conclusions would be highly relevant to preventing increased mortality among elderly nursing home residents.

COVID-19 primarily attacks the respiratory system. However, the links between the latter, your digestive tract and immune system make an examination of the role of nutrition and the gut microbiota in the fight against the virus relevant. Here is the first article of a two-part series on the subject.