Why Gut Microbiome Diversity is Important 

The gut is one of the most integral parts of the human body. It is home to the majority of your immune system and affects your ability to fight off illnesses and infections. Your gut is also linked directly to your brain and heart health, highlighting just how important it is to keep your gut healthy. In this article, we explain the important role of the gut microbiome and showcase why a healthy gut is a diverse gut.

What is the role of the gut microbiome? 

There are approximately 100 trillion micro-organisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Collectively, they are known as the microbiome and consist of good and bad bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. It’s not amiss to say that your gut microbiome affects practically every aspect of the human experience.

The health of your microbiome influences brain, heart, and immune health, highlighting just how important it is to keep your gut microbiome healthy. One of the best ways of maintaining the health of your microbiome is to ensure it is diverse, which we explain below. 

A healthy gut is a diverse gut 

Research highlights that diversity of the microbes within your gut makes your microbiome more capable and resilient. This is because a gut with a diverse array of microbiomes can rely on multiple bacteria to fulfil integral bodily functions, which is important if one microbe is unable to carry out its duties. What’s more, multiple studies have found that a reduction in intestinal microbiota diversity is linked to a range of diseases, including Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer.

Another interesting study into long-living people in China corroborated the findings that a decrease in the gut microbiome can lead to a range of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes. As you get older, gut microbial diversity decreases due to changes in physiology, diet, medication, and lifestyle. So, it’s even more important to take steps to consider the diversity of your gut microbiome as you age.  

How to improve the diversity of your gut microbiome 

Arguably the most important factor influencing your gut microbiome is the food that you eat. Processed foods that are high in sugar and salt are particularly bad for the diversity of your microbiome, as the microbes within need a diet of wholesome nutrients to thrive. 

You should ensure that you eat a range of fruits and vegetables, as fibre is a key nutrient for a flourishing gut microbiome. One study found that following a plant-based diet rich in fruits, legumes, and vegetables actually prevented the growth of certain disease-causing bacteria. 

Another option is fermented food, which is rich in lactobacilli, a type of bacteria that is good for your health. The likes of yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi are all good sources of healthy bacteria and can contribute to the health and diversity of your gut microbiome. Prebiotics also promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and are present in a range of fruits and vegetables. Overall, incorporating a range of wholesome, probiotic, and prebiotic foods in your diet is an excellent way to boost the diversity of your gut. 

All of our blog articles are reviewed for medical accuracy by our Medical Director before publication.

Posted in: All, Men's Health