Dietary fibers, known to regulate intestinal inflammation and gut barrier functions, have been avoided by patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) to avoid flare-ups. However, recent findings suggest that if fiber type, patient immunological condition, and the fermentative ability of the gut microbiota are taken into account, they could be beneficial and prevent relapses.
Restricting dietary fiber is a common advice for people living with inflammatory bowel disease. New research shows that not all fibers work the same and their impact on intestinal inflammation and gut barrier function depend on the type of fiber, individual immune status and the fermentative capacity of their gut microbes.
Diet variety is related to gut microbiome diversity and a greater abundance of some potentially beneficial bacteria. A new study suggests how increasing the quantity and diversity of dietary fiber intake by consuming multi-fiber bread may improve cholesterol and insulin resistance by altering gut microbiome composition and function.
Modulating gut microbes with fiber, microbiota-accessible carbohydrates and prebiotics: an update of definitions and health benefits
2 Aug 2021by Andreu Prados
While we have known for a while that a diet consisting of fiber-rich foods reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases and lowers people’s mortality rate, scientists have only recently started elucidating why fiber is beneficial for human health. This article clarifies the definition and health implications of the closely related terms fiber, MACs and prebiotics.
Diet and lifestyle outweigh genetic background in shaping gut microbiome across nonhuman and human primates
19 Aug 2019by GMFH Editing Team
How genetics versus environmental factors drive gut microbiome variation in related primates remains unknown. New findings show that diet may outweigh phylogenetic evolution in shaping gut microbial communities across primate species and human hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists.
Could increasing delivery of propionate to the human colon be a potential way of improving glucose homeostasis in overweight or obese individuals?
6 May 2019by Andreu Prados
Colonic propionate has been suggested as a potential target to improve obesity-related metabolic disorders. Based on new research, colonic propionate delivery could be a novel solution to improve metabolism and inflammation in overweight or obese subjects.
Consuming refined fermentable fibers could have a negative impact on your liver health, a new study reveals
15 Nov 2018by Researchers from the Univ. of Toledo-Microbiome Consortium
A recent study published by researchers from the University of Toledo, in Cell, raises a health concern about that these refined soluble fibers.
A diet rich in the fermentable fiber inulin and associated short-chain fatty acids protects mice against the influenza infection
31 May 2018by Andreu Prados
A new study has found that the fermentable fiber inulin and short-chain fatty acids exert beneficial effects on the immune system, allowing mice to control influenza infections.
A diet rich in dietary plant polysaccharides suppresses Clostridium difficile infection in mice
10 May 2018by Andreu Prados
A new study has found that microbiota-accessible carbohydrate-utilizing bacteria and short-chain fatty acids generated during their fermentation prevent C. difficile infection perpetuation in mice.
A high fiber diet may promote specific short-chain fatty acid producers to achieve better metabolic control in type 2 diabetes
26 Mar 2018by Andreu Prados
A new randomized clinical trial has found that promotion of a select group of gut bacteria by a diet high in diverse fibers may lead to better blood glucose and lipid control and greater weight loss in people with T2DM.
