What’s the gut microbiome?
The gut microbiome is referred to the different types of microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and their collective genetic material found in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of our body. Well-Balanced microorganisms are important for promoting healthy digestion, easy bowel movements, improvement in metabolism, and hormones, which in turn keeps our appetite in regulation.
Whereas unbalanced microorganisms can cause severe issues related to the digestive system. One of the major causes that leads to disturbance among microorganisms is the consumption of too much-processed foods like bread, rice, pasta, and a lot of animal meat. The decrease in harmony among the microorganisms can worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, weaken the immune system, and even lead to the proliferation of cancer cells.
This study
Dr. Hana Kahleova, MD, Ph.D., of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine performed research on 147 participants to study the effect of a vegan diet on the gut microbiome. For the study, the participants were divided into two groups. One group was asked to follow a low-fat vegan diet and the other made no changes in their eating habits. After a time interval of 16-week, the body weight, visceral fat level, and fat mass of people following a vegan diet decreased considerably.
The researcher said that they expected to see the change in the gut microbiome, but it was not expected this fast.
The bottom line
This is not the first study which showed the importance of eating a plant-based diet for your gut health. Even in some previous studies, it has been noticed that eating low amounts of processed food is good for our digestive health. A vegan diet is certainly good for your gut health, but that does not mean you should strictly follow it. Just try to less processed food and meat. Include more high-fiber food items in your diet.
