New study reveals eating more fibre can significantly reduce infection risk, read details
by KalingaTV Bureau · KalingaTVA groundbreaking research revealed that the composition of the gut microbiome has now been predicted to be linked to life-threatening infections caused by notorious bugs such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and E.coli. The best part of the study, however, was the discovery that making simple dietary changes can have a significant effect on the risk of infection.
So, what is the magic ingredient? Fibre! That’s right, the humble nutrient found in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes is the key to a healthy gut and a stronger immune system. But how does it work? Fibre acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut and promoting a balanced gut microbiome. This, in turn, helps regulate the immune response, prevents the overgrowth of bad bacteria, and produces antimicrobial peptides.
A new study, published in the renowned scientific journal Nature Microbiology, found the composition of gut microbiomes from over 12,000 individuals spread across 45 countries. Among them, 135 species of gut microbes commonly colonized gut in the absence of Enterobacteriaceae, which contains bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae and E.coli. Moreover, they could identify the person’s microbiome “signature,” a marker that tells if his or her gut will likely be invaded by such obnoxious bacteria.
But here’s the best part; you have the power to change your gut microbiome and reduce your risk of infection. By incorporating more fibre-rich foods into your diet, you can help support your immune system and keep those nasty bugs at bay.
The best sources of dietary fibre:
Increasing fiber intake can have a major impact on your body’s ability to fight infections by the immune system.
- Fruits; apples, bananas, berries, citrus fruits
- Vegetables; broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes
- Legumes; beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas
- Whole grains; brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, whole grain pasta
- Nuts and seeds; almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds
What we eat is potentially very important in controlling the likelihood of infection,” Dr. Alexandre Almeida, researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and senior author of the paper, explains. “We can provide raw material for our gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids-by eating fibre in foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains-to protect us from these pathogenic bugs.”