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Previously undescribed human gut bacteria that aid in the digestion of plant cellulose are scarce in urban societies but abundant in ancient and hunter-gatherer microbiomes, a new study says.
Humans rely on the gut microbiome to digest cellulose.
The main component of plant fibre and a common element in diets that includes plant-based material.
Dietary fibre is beneficial to gut microbiome stability.
However, modern industrialised diets, which are dominated by processed foods, are lacking in plant fibre.
Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome is a complex community of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in your intestines.
These microbes play an important role in your health, helping you digest food, absorb nutrients, and fight off infection.
A balanced gut microbiome is essential for good health.
When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including:
Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression
There are a number of things you can do to support a healthy gut microbiome, including:
Eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber.
Getting regular exercise
Managing stress
Getting enough sleep
Taking probiotics
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