The incidence of both intestinal bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer is rapidly increasing in developed countries (e.g., US, Canada, Europe). There are many theories over why this is occurring, with most researchers thinking a person's diet plays a role. A big suspect in promoting IBD and colorectal cancer is the Western diet, which has lots of ultra-processed foods and is also low in fiber.
A recent large study looked at 6 major diets and how they impact the gut microbiome. The six dietary patterns were: Western diet, Mediterranean diet, high-fiber diet, plant-based diet, high protein diet, and ketogenic diet.
And surprise, surprise - eating a Western diet resulted in having an increase in gut bacterial species linked to chronic inflammation, heart disease, colorectal cancer, IBD, and diabetes. The Mediterranean style diet had an increase in bacterial species linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, IBD, and type 2 diabetes. In fact, all 6 diets had distinct bacterial profiles in the gut.
Bottom line: The foods a person eats can either feed and nourish beneficial bacteria or harmful bacteria (linked to cancer and IBD). Best for health is a Mediterranean style diet (lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts), and avoiding ultra-processed foods. You are what you eat!
From Medical Xpress: Western diets pose greater risk of cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, study finds
Western diets pose a greater risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer, according to a milestone review of what people eat around the world.
The study of six prevalent diets has 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. The review was conducted by APC Microbiome Ireland (APC), an SFI Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC), and Teagasc.
The study, led by Prof. Catherine Stanton—an APC PI and senior principal research officer at Teagasc, examined Mediterranean, high-fiber, plant-based, high-protein, ketogenic, and Western diets.
The comprehensive review reveals how different diets significantly alter the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome, highlighting the production of essential molecules produced during metabolism such as short-chain fatty acids.
It underscores the detrimental effects of the Western diet, characterized by high fat and sugar intake, compared to the benefits of diets rich in plant-based and high-fiber foods.
By contrast, it finds that a Mediterranean diet, high in fruits, vegetables, is effective in managing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, IBD, and type 2 diabetes.
Prof. Stanton said, "Our review highlights the profound impact of different diets on the gut microbiome. 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."