Chapter 8 - Gut Health Advice and Practical Diet Recommendations for Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Nutrition science had a long history before new knowledge emerged about the gut microbiota. However, the close connections being discovered between gut microbiota, diet, and health may prompt questions about how to use this knowledge to support the gut microbiota and overall gut health. With the caveat that gut health is a somewhat vague term, the effect of certain diets on gut health is being investigated. Several special diets such as the high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet may influence gut microbiota and health over the long term. Diet recommendations for generally healthy individuals that are currently supported by scientific evidence (involving gut microbiota mechanisms) include reducing intake of processed foods, and increasing intake of fermented foods, fiber (especially through fruits and vegetables), resistant starch, and olive/flaxseed/fish oils. Probiotics can be useful when taken for particular indications, and increased quantities of live cultures may be beneficial in the diet. Infant breastfeeding is beneficial for early gut microbiota development and health.