Research
When your gut bacteria run out of fiber, they may start eating your gut lining
The Brief
- Scientists report that gut bacteria can feed on the mucus lining of the intestine.
- This activity can produce potentially harmful compounds.
- Fibre helps keep this mucus-feeding activity in check, and some proteins in plant foods shift bacteria toward beneficial products.
Why it matters
The finding links dietary fibre intake to the balance between beneficial and potentially harmful gut microbial activity, which is relevant to research on gut health.
Who’s affected
- gut microbiome researchers
- nutrition scientists
- readers interested in diet and gut health
- #gut microbiome
- #fibre
- #mucus
- #nutrition
- #intestinal health
Scientists have discovered that gut bacteria can feed on the protective mucus lining your intestines, producing potentially harmful compounds, but fiber helps keep this activity in check. Overlooked proteins in plant foods also help shift gut bacteria toward producing beneficial…
Timeline
ScienceDaily reports the study findings on gut bacteria feeding on mucus when fibre is scarce
Health & Medicine News -- ScienceDaily
When your gut bacteria run out of fiber, they may start eating your gut lining