Do You Need More Dietary Fiber?

When you think about improving your diet, one of the first recommendations you often hear is to increase your intake of dietary fiber. However, new research suggests that the benefits of dietary fiber might not be the same for everyone. It turns out that how much you benefit from dietary fiber largely depends on the unique composition of your gut microbiome. Understanding the Role of the Gut Microbiome Your gut microbiome is a complex community of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that reside in your digestive tract. These microbes play a crucial role in many aspects of your health, including digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation. Researchers have discovered that the specific makeup of your gut microbiome can significantly influence how you respond to dietary fiber. A recent study published in the journal Gut Microbes delved into how different individuals’ gut microbiomes affect their response to dietary fiber. The researchers focused on a particular type of fiber called resistant starch, which is found in foods like bread, cereals, green bananas, whole-grain pasta, brown rice, and potatoes. Over seven weeks, 59 participants were given three types of crackers: two containing different forms of resistant starch and one with...