How diet shapes gut microbiome health: Food as medicine

A recent Nature study from the University of Chicago reveals that diet plays a key role in gut microbiome recovery after antibiotics. Mice fed a Western-style diet—high in processed foods and low in fiber—struggled to restore microbial diversity and were more prone to infections like Salmonella. In contrast, mice on a plant-rich, Mediterranean-like diet regained a balanced, resilient microbiome. Lead author compared microbiome recovery to forest regrowth, where proper nutrients are essential for restoration. Even fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) had little effect when mice remained on an unhealthy diet. The findings suggest dietary fiber is crucial for rebuilding gut health and resisting pathogens. Researchers propose using diet as a tool, especially for patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or organ transplants, where antibiotic use disrupts gut bacteria. Co-author emphasized that food could serve as a form of medicine—shaping and restoring a healthy microbiome ecosystem with lasting effects.

13-05-2025