Fasting can improve metabolic control and appetite regulation, but it can be difficult to maintain, as it affects cognitive function during the fasting period.

Dietary fiber is essential for gut health, as it feeds the gut microbiota, which in turn produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids that regulate metabolism and inflammation.

Cleansing or fasting before attempting to repopulate the microbiome is not necessary, as studies have not shown these practices to be beneficial or effective.

Cleanses and fasting lack high-quality scientific backing, making it difficult to determine their health benefits or risks, especially in the context of a highly processed diet.

The gut microbiome is critical for modulating our immune status, and changes in diet can fundamentally alter how the immune system operates, potentially reducing inflammation and disease risk.

Long-term studies are being conducted to follow the microbiome changes in participants over six months to a year, which will provide exciting data on the effects of diet on gut health.

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in health by influencing inflammatory responses and brain function, and can be adjusted through dietary choices. Fermented foods significantly outperform high-fiber diets in improving gut health and reducing inflammation, leading to better cognitive function, sleep, and immune response.

The high fermented food group in our study showed an increase in microbiota diversity and a decrease in inflammatory markers, indicating a positive impact on the immune system.

Rapidly fermentable fibers can lead to negative metabolic effects when combined with a Western diet, potentially increasing health risks.