How could diet affect gut health?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Plant-based diets are associated with gut microbiome diversity and a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Short-term dietary changes can also shift the microbiome composition, and elimination diets help to ease symptoms of certain digestive disorders.

    Long-term dietary patterns shape the gut microbiome. Gut microbes produce energy by fermenting microbe-accessible carbohydrates, which are found in most fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans. Diets rich in these types of foods are associated with high levels of gut microbiome diversity and a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Short-term dietary changes can also change the composition of the gut microbiome, and in some cases, elimination diets are used to reduce the symptoms of certain digestive disorders.

    How could diet affect gut health? - Examine