Industrialized societies are losing important gut microbes that help digest fiber, according to a recent study published in Science. Fiber is found in vegetables and whole grains and it plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system by supporting a balanced gut microbiome. Modern eating habits in industrialized nations are causing a decline in these beneficial microbes and which could have significant implications for human health.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and international collaborators studied the gut microbiomes of individuals from different societies. They found that cellulose-degrading bacteria, particularly Ruminococcus are disappearing from the gut microbiomes of people living in industrialized societies.
Ruminococcus bacteria play a key role in breaking down cellulose, the main component of dietary fiber. These bacteria produce specialized protein complexes called cellulosomes, which help digest insoluble fiber by breaking it down into soluble sugars. This process not only nourishes Ruminococcus but also supports other members of the gut microbiome.
Sarah Moraïs explained that throughout human evolution, fiber has been a staple of the human diet and it is supporting a healthy gut microbiome. The consumption habits of modern industrialized societies is characterized by a lack of fiber-rich foods and it is disrupting this balance.
The research revealed that Ruminococcus bacteria which have been present in human gut microbiomes for a long time are more abundant in individuals from hunter-gatherer and rural societies compared to those in industrialized nations. This suggests that the decline of these bacteria is linked to changes in diet associated with modern lifestyles.
Professor Itzhak Mizrahi is one of the study’s authors; they highlighted the impact of diet on gut microbiomes noting that industrialized societies often rely on processed foods with low fiber content. In contrast, traditional societies with diets rich in fiber maintain a diverse gut microbiome, including cellulose-degrading bacteria like Ruminococcus.
The findings suggest that increasing fiber intake could help counteract the decline of cellulose-degrading bacteria in industrialized societies. By consuming more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, individuals can support a healthy gut microbiome and promote digestive health.
