When Gut Bacteria Run Out of Fiber, They May Start Eating You

People who don't eat enough fiber may find their gut bacteria attacking their own cells. This is because gut bacteria need fiber to survive. When they run out of fiber, they may start breaking down the sugars in the gut lining. This can lead to inflammation and other health problems. The idea that gut bacteria can turn on their human hosts is surprising.

It challenges the common belief that gut bacteria are always beneficial. The evidence comes from a new trial comparing plant-based diets to probiotics. The trial found that a diverse plant diet is more effective than probiotics at promoting gut health. This is because plants provide the fiber that gut bacteria need to thrive. The trial's findings raise questions about the role of fiber in gut health.

If gut bacteria can turn on their human hosts when they run out of fiber, then eating a diverse plant diet may be crucial for preventing inflammation and other health problems. The trial's findings also suggest that probiotics may not be as effective as previously thought. The open question is whether the trial's findings will lead to changes in dietary recommendations.