Gut health plays an active role in an individual's digestive system. The microbiota in our intestines, meaning the community of microorganisms, varies from person to person. A lack of diversity in this microbiota increases an individual’s risk of developing chronic diseases.

Research has shown that obese individuals have lower microbiota diversity, while individuals with higher microbiota diversity are less likely to experience weight problems.

Disruption of the gut microbiota promotes diet-induced obesity due to changes in immune metabolism, energy regulation, gut hormone balance, and inflammation-related mechanisms. Reducing dietary fiber intake, consuming packaged foods, increasing sugar intake, eating fried foods, and consuming processed meat products—in short, an unhealthy diet—damages microbiota diversity. Therefore, healthy nutrition and the intake of probiotics and prebiotics are crucial for maintaining gut health.

Prebiotics are food sources that nourish bacteria in the digestive tract and promote their growth. Examples include onions, leeks, and asparagus. Resistant starches have been shown to enrich certain bacterial groups in some individuals. Probiotics, on the other hand, are naturally occurring microorganisms in the digestive system that aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits. They can be incorporated into various products, including foods, dietary supplements, or medications. Yogurt, kefir, ayran (a fermented yogurt drink), and pickled products are examples of probiotic-rich foods.

Paying attention to a healthy and balanced diet is of great importance for maintaining microbiota diversity, supporting gut health, and protecting against chronic diseases.

Müge Seren Süslü, M.Sc.

Nutrition and Diet Specialist