Gut Bacteria and Diet

A new frontier in the human body is the microbiome of the gut. The microbiome is the gut environment populated by many different species of microorganisms. We have around 4 lb. of bacteria in our guts! A study published December 22, 2013 in Nature looked at how and how quickly the micro biome changes with a change in diet. 10 volunteers aged 21-33 years had their bowel movements examined at baseline, and then daily after being on a strict diet for 5 days. One group was on a no-fiber, high protein, high fat diet; the other group on a vegan diet. Although their caloric intake was the same, only the animal food group lost weight after 5 days. Interestingly, the microbiome of the animal food group changed after one day. There was an increase in bile-tolerant microorganisms, as well as in increase in enteric deoxycholic concentrations, which are associated with liver cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.