Exploring the Impact of Wild Foods on Gut Microbiome: Significant and Lasting Changes Unveiled

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Personal Wild-Food Diet Experience

In a wild-food diet, chestnuts and acorns were the main foods, often made into porridge. The diet also included nuts like hazelnuts, seeds from water lilies, fresh greens, dried fruits, and a small amount of deer and fish. One participant lost 4 kg during this time, with most of the weight coming off in the first week. However, he quickly regained 2 kg after returning to a regular diet.

The participant noted that the limited food choices became boring. There wasn’t much time to prepare meals or gather a variety of ingredients, which likely contributed to the weight loss. He documented his journey in a vlog on YouTube.

Gut Microbiome Changes

Before starting the wild-food diet, the gut microbiome was dominated by familiar groups of bacteria associated with typical Western diets. These groups included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. As the participant shifted to a wild-food diet, the diversity and composition of his gut bacteria underwent significant changes.

During the wild-food period, certain bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae and Streptococcaceae increased, while others decreased. Interestingly, when the diet returned to normal, many of these changes reverted, but some bacteria remained. The family Akkermansiaceae even became more abundant than before.

Studies show that dietary changes can have a lasting impact on gut health. According to recent research, a diverse gut microbiome is linked to better overall health, supporting everything from digestion to inflammation responses.

More on Diet-Induced Changes

Interestingly, during the wild-food phase, some beneficial bacteria known for breaking down fiber and producing helpful compounds thrived. These bacteria are crucial for maintaining gut health and could offer insights into future probiotic development.

Historically, the gut microbiomes of hunter-gatherers differ from those with Western diets, highlighting the profound effects of diet on gut bacteria. A study comparing various populations, including those with traditional lifestyles, found significant differences in gut composition when transitioning to a wild-food diet.

User Insights

Social media has seen trends around wild-food diets, as people share recipes and experiences. Many claim that immersing themselves in foraging not only enriches their diets but also connects them closer to nature. User feedback often emphasizes the joy and creativity of selecting and preparing wild foods, even if they sometimes struggle with variety.

Conclusion

Adopting a wild-food diet reshaped not only physical health but also the gut microbiome. While some bacteria returned to their original states, others persisted, emphasizing the diet’s long-lasting effects. To explore this topic further, check out Nature’s Research for studies on gut microbiome diversity and diet.

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Metagenomics,Microbiome,Paleodiet,Old friends,Wild foods,Gut microbiome,Science,Humanities and Social Sciences,multidisciplinary