WBBM NEWSRADIO – A group of researchers currently working to determine why young people are getting diagnosed with colon cancer at alarming rates wound up making some “profound” discoveries about our diets.
People who eat Western diets, characterized by high fat and sugar intake, have a greater risk of colorectal cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), according to an international review of what people eat around the world.
The study, published in the journal Nature Reviews Microbiology, examined how what we consume impacts our gut microbiome – the community of microorganisms that live in our intestines – and how the shifting balance of its composition influences our overall health.
“Our review highlights the profound impact of different diets on the gut microbiome,” lead author Prof. Catherine Stanton said in a statement.
“This understanding is crucial for developing dietary recommendations that promote health and prevent disease. It’s fascinating to see how dietary choices can influence the balance of microorganisms in our gut and their metabolic functions.”
The study compared six prevalent diets — Mediterranean, high-fiber, plant-based, high-protein, ketogenic and Western — and examined which can lead to a rise in gut bacteria linked to intestinal disorders.
The findings show that a Western diet full of processed foods, red meat, sugary beverages and high-fat products carries the biggest risk.
By contrast, a Mediterranean diet high in fruits and vegetables has the lowest risk and is actually effective in managing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, IBD and type 2 diabetes.
The study suggests that healthcare professionals can develop targeted nutritional therapies to improve public health outcomes.
“This review is a significant milestone in microbiome research. It provides a detailed look at how dietary patterns shape the gut microbiome and underscores the potential for diet-based interventions in clinical practice … “
