The age-old advice to include fibre in your diet just got a scientific boost. A recent study has revealed that a fibre-rich diet may help protect against potentially life-threatening infections caused by harmful bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli. By influencing the gut microbiome, fibre appears to create a more resilient internal environment.
The study highlighted how the composition of gut bacteria can predict a person's likelihood of succumbing to infections. A particular group of bacteria called Enterobacteriaceae, which includes Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella, and E. coli, exists at low levels in healthy individuals. However, factors like inflammation or consuming contaminated food can cause these bacteria to multiply, sometimes leading to severe illness.
Using advanced computational methods, including AI, researchers analysed stool samples from over 12,000 people across 45 countries. They discovered that specific gut microbiome patterns, or "signatures," can predict whether a person's gut is prone to colonisation by harmful Enterobacteriaceae. This correlation was found to hold true across different health conditions and geographic regions.
Interestingly, the study, published in Nature Microbiology, identified 135 gut microbe species associated with the absence of harmful Enterobacteriaceae. Among these protective species is a group of bacteria called Faecalibacterium. These bacteria break down dietary fibre to produce short-chain fatty acids, which are known to guard against infections.
Dr Alexandre Almeida, senior author and researcher at the University of Cambridge, emphasized the significance of diet in maintaining gut health. "Our results suggest that what we eat is potentially very important in controlling the likelihood of infection with a range of bacteria, including E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae because this changes our gut environment to make it more hostile to invaders," he explained.
He further added, "By eating fibre in foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains, we can provide the raw material for our gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids-compounds that can protect us from these pathogenic bugs."
While probiotics have been touted for their health benefits, the study suggests they may not directly alter the gut environment to the same extent as dietary fibre. This highlights the crucial role of fibre in fostering beneficial bacteria and crowding out harmful ones.
Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, such as pneumonia and meningitis, can be life-threatening. By incorporating fibre-rich foods into daily meals, individuals may significantly reduce their risk of such infections, paving the way for a healthier gut and a stronger immune system.
As research continues to shed light on the intricate relationship between diet and health, the message is clear: boosting your fibre intake is not just about digestion-it's a powerful way to enhance your body's natural defenses.
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