New research has uncovered how a low-calorie diet alters the microbiota in the human gut. Dieting can lead to an increase in specific bacteria associated with antibiotic-induced diarrhea and colitis, according to a study from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Published in Nature, scientists found that dieting can increase the bacteria Clostridioides difficile, which is also linked to antibiotic-induced diarrhea and colitis. These bacteria affect the energy balance of the gut, researchers from Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the University of California in San Francisco.

“For the first time, we were able to show that a very low calorie diet produces major changes in the composition of the gut microbiome and that these changes have an impact on the host’s energy balance,” shared Dr. Joachim Spranger, Head of Charité’s Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases and one of the study’s lead authors in Science Daily.

During the research, scientists compared participants on a low calorie diet to a regular diet. Stool sample analysis found that dieting reduced microorganisms in the gut and changed the make up of the microbiome.

“A very low calorie diet severely modifies our gut microbiome and appears to reduce the colonization-resistance for the hospital-associated bacterium Clostridioides difficile. These changes render the absorption of nutrients across the gut wall less efficient, notably without producing relevant clinical symptoms. What remains unclear is whether or to which extent this type of asymptomatic colonization by C. difficile might impair or potentially improve a person’s health. This has to be explored in larger studies,” shared Dr. Spranger.

Read more about the health benefits of a plant-based diet  and how it can Support your gut health below:

• How a Fiber-Rich Plant-Based Diet Keeps Your Gut Microbiome Happy and Healthy
• How a Plant-Based Diet Naturally Supports Your Microbiome
• 15 Plant-Based Prebiotic Recipes For a Health Gut
• Improve Your Digestive Health in One Week With These Easy Steps
• Managing Inflammation and Bowel Issues with a Plant-Based Diet
• Understanding Gut-Hormone Connection

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

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