According to a new study that was presented at the UEG Week Barcelona 2019, researchers have found new evidence to support the notion that a plant-based or or Mediterranean diet can help to promote beneficial gut bacteria.

This diet is known to include food items such as nuts, fish, and legumes, and the results of this study add to the growing body of research which suggests that a Mediterranean diet can help to promote beneficial bacteria and keep the gut healthy.

It has also been known to boost brain function, deter overeating, protect against cancer, and potentially even fuel longevity.

Increasingly, researchers today are finding out about the importance of the microbiome.

This bacteria can be greatly impacted by what we eat and has been known to play a dramatic role in either boosting or easing symptoms that are related to a wide range of illnesses.

The Mediterranean diet is one that also emphasizes eating unprocessed foods, and focuses on high-quality fats that come from quality cheeses and olive oil. Researchers believe that there are a number of benefits associated with this diet, from helping to improve digestion, beneficial gut bacteria, potentially decreasing inflammation, and more.

“Connecting the diet to the gut microbiome gives us more insight into the relation between diet and intestinal disease,” - L. Bolte, lead investigator of the recent study presented at UEG week.

One concern associated with this diet however, and a focus on consuming plant-based foods, is that it promotes consuming a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. This could be a concern because raw vegetables might not be easily digested by everyone equally the same. Raw foods have been known to irritate the digestive system and fuel negative side effects for some, especially if the individual isn't consuming in moderation.

Interestingly, researchers have also discovered that socioeconomic status might be linked to the benefits that are potentially reaped by following the Mediterranean diet.

For example, researchers have previously discovered that for those who are following the diet who have a higher income, that they are likely to consume food products that are richer in polyphenols and antioxidants, they also have access to a greater variety of fruits and vegetables to consume which can help to further diversify their gut microbiome in positive way. As far as their food items containing higher antioxidants or polyphenols that could be because they can afford more organic food items than those with a lower income. Studies have shown that organic foods may contain higher levels of antioxidants and higher quality nutrients.

Though you will find many doctors out there today who will insist that diet isn't important and has nothing to do with symptoms or illness, that lie continues to fade away the more that researchers investigate the importance of the gut microbiome. This study adds to that belief, that the diet plays a critical role in management and treatment of disease.

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The information that is posted above is not intended to be used as any substitute for professional medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment. The above is posted for informational purposes only.

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