Study Overview
A revolutionary new study highlights the potential of a diet modeled after the eating habits of non-industrialized communities to significantly reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases.
The research team is eager to share their findings and recipes with the public.
In countries like Ireland, reliance on industrialized diets—often heavy in processed foods and low in fiber—has contributed to a troubling rise in chronic health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Published today in the journal Cell, the study uncovers the benefits of a new diet that mimics the traditional dietary practices of non-industrialized societies.
In a three-week intervention involving human participants, researchers recorded impressive health improvements, such as:
- A reduction in weight
- A 17% decrease in LDL cholesterol
- A 6% drop in blood sugar levels
- A 14% reduction in C-reactive Protein, which is linked to inflammation and heart disease
The NiMeTM Diet
The researchers believe these positive changes stem from favorable adjustments in the participants’ gut microbiome.
This complex system of trillions of bacteria plays an essential role in digestion, metabolism, and immune health.
The international team, led by Professor Jens Walter from University College Cork, conducted the human trial at the University of Alberta in Canada, where he previously worked.
Professor Walter explained that industrialization has negatively impacted gut microbiota, potentially increasing the likelihood of chronic illnesses.
To counteract this, his team developed a diet that reflects traditional eating patterns while incorporating modern insights about the relationship between diet and the microbiome.
Participants followed this regimen closely and also consumed L. reuteri, a beneficial bacterium commonly found in the gut microbiomes of Papua New Guineans but scarce in those who adhere to industrialized diets.
The study introduced the NiMeTM (Non-industrialized Microbiome Restore) diet, which notably enhanced the short-term retention of L. reuteri in participants’ gastrointestinal tracts.
This diet also restored microbiome features often damaged by modern eating habits, reducing harmful bacteria linked to inflammation and so-called “bad” genes that degrade the gut’s protective mucus layer.
Researchers connected these microbiome improvements to notable enhancements in cardiometabolic health metrics.
Interestingly, participants on the NiMe diet did not cut calories, yet they still lost weight and experienced significant health benefits related to their cardiovascular health and metabolism.
Future Implications
In earlier research, Professor Walter’s team explored the gut microbiome of rural Papua New Guineans, discovering a rich diversity in their gut flora supported by high-fiber diets.
This lack of pro-inflammatory bacteria often found in Western diets inspired the formulation of the NiMeTM diet.
The NiMeTM diet centers on:
- A plant-forward approach with a variety of vegetables, legumes, and other whole plant-based foods, while allowing a small portion of animal protein daily (like salmon, chicken, or pork).
- The exclusion of dairy, beef, and wheat, which do not form part of the traditional diet of rural Papua New Guineans.
- A strict limitation on processed foods, especially those high in sugars and saturated fats.
- Rich fiber content, providing 22 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories, exceeding current dietary recommendations.
Professor Walter emphasized the powerful influence of diet on overall health, noting that many people tend to underestimate this connection.
Responding to the study, Professor Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland, remarked that the research illustrates how targeted diets can positively transform the gut microbiome and improve health while reducing disease risk.
This could lead to revised dietary guidelines, spark the development of novel food products and ingredients, and inspire new therapies aimed at promoting a healthy microbiome.
Dr. Anissa Armet, a registered dietitian from the University of Alberta, played a crucial role in creating the NiMe diet.
She expressed enthusiasm for sharing recipes on social media platforms like Instagram (@nimediet) and Facebook.
The team is also developing an online cookbook to make these health-boosting recipes accessible, encouraging individuals to enhance their gut microbiomes for better overall health.
Source: ScienceDaily