A groundbreaking study has unveiled the potential benefits of a newly developed diet inspired by the traditional eating habits of non-industrialized societies. This diet has shown promising results in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which have been on the rise in industrialized countries like Ireland.
Published in the prestigious journal Cell, the study conducted by an international team of scientists, led by Professor Jens Walter from University College Cork, demonstrated significant metabolic and immunological improvements in participants who followed the diet for just three weeks. The diet, known as the “NiMe” (Non-industrialized Microbiome Restore) diet, led to weight loss, reduced bad cholesterol levels by 17%, decreased blood sugar by 6%, and lowered inflammation markers by 14%.
These positive outcomes were attributed to beneficial changes in the participants’ gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and metabolism. By mimicking the dietary habits of non-industrialized communities and incorporating the beneficial bacterium L. reuteri, the NiMe diet was able to restore microbiome features damaged by industrialization, leading to improvements in cardiometabolic markers of chronic disease risk.
The NiMe diet emphasizes a plant-based focus, with a small serving of animal protein per day, and excludes dairy, beef, and wheat, in alignment with traditional foods consumed by rural Papua New Guineans. It is also low in processed foods high in sugar and saturated fat, and rich in fiber, exceeding current dietary recommendations.
According to Prof. Walter, the findings of this study highlight the significant impact of diet on health and underscore the potential of targeted dietary interventions to improve health outcomes and reduce disease risk. The recipes from the NiMe diet will be made available on social media platforms and an online cookbook to ensure widespread access and adoption.
The study’s results could influence future dietary guidelines and inspire the development of new food products and therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiome. As Prof. Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland, noted, the ability to modulate the gut microbiome through specific diets offers a promising avenue for improving health and well-being.
In conclusion, the NiMe diet represents a promising approach to promoting health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases by harnessing the power of traditional dietary practices and microbiome restoration. By embracing these dietary principles, individuals can enhance their overall health and well-being while supporting a diverse and thriving gut microbiome.
