Gut health is key to overall body health - keeping the microbiome happy and well fed has never been so important. What we eat is key and whole plant foods are top of the list for gut-friendly bacteria's favourite things to eat.
But research from the American Gut project has highlighted that it's not just the type of food eaten that's important, but the variety too.
Analysis of the first set of data revealed that people who ate a high variety of plant foods (30 or more) had the widest variety of gut bacteria compared to those who ate a poor variety of plant food (10 or less) a week.
Do you know how many varieties of plants you eat in a week? Even on a whole-food plant-based diet, it's surprising how often the same foods are eaten every day, especially if you are someone who likes routine or finds it easy to eat the same meals on a daily basis.
What is the American Gut Project?
A huge open-source research programme that profiles gut bacteria and correlates the connection with health. It's a fascinating and continually growing resource, and is open to anyone to participate (for a small fee that supports the programme).
If you're based in the UK, you can access it via the British Gut project.
Click here to go to the American Gut Project.
Click here to go to the British Gut Project.
Your challenge, should you wish to accept it.....!
The only way to know if you hit 30 in a week is to count. It can be difficult if you eat out, as there may be ingredients you don't know about - just guesstimate. Eating at home is easier, if you're the cook that is. If not, why not get involved, or talk to the chef in the house about what you're eating?
To help you keep track, click here to access my Variety Challenge chart to help you keep track.
Whilst you're at it, take note of the foods you eat most often during the week. Some will be seasonal, but there maybe some staples that could be a bit too regular that have the potential to irritate your gut, like wheat or soya. If that's an issue for you, find good substitutes and mix it up a bit. Your gut will love you for it - and pay you back in kind!
