GUTS
Everywhere you go, the trillions of microbes in your gut go too. And that's a comforting thought. Because according to a new study, a more diverse population of intestinal bacteria is linked to better health. The work is in the journal Nature. [Emmanuelle Le Chatelier et al., Richness of human gut microbiome correlates with metabolic markers]
Danish researchers gathered gut microbes from almost 300 obese and
nonobese adults. The intestines of roughly one in four participants
contained fewer and less diverse bacteria than average. And members of
this group were more likely to be obese and to suffer from gut
inflammation.
By looking for only a few specific bacteria, researchers could predict
whether a subject fell into the low-diversity group. Certain species
could even indicate whether an individual was slim or overweight. And
these microbial markers might also serve as signs of future health
risks—because low-diversity participants who were obese were more likely
to gain additional weight over time.
But a low-diversity gut won't necessarily doom your health. According to another study
in the same journal, it's possible to increase microbial diversity by
developing a decent diet. Remember, you’re eating for trillions.
—Sophie Bushwick
