The microbiome of the western diet is associated with inflammatory disorders, diabetes, and other conditions. And different gut microbiomes are found when a more significant proportion of plants and pre-and probiotic foods are eaten. This finding has led to the understanding that our nutrition influences our gut microbiome. Additionally, animal studies have shown that transplanting an unhealthy gut microbiome into mice can cause poor weight gain. The problem of an altered guy microbiome also affects children impacted by malnutrition. Studies have shown that malnutrition in children causes the microbiome to become unhealthy. And that after correcting for dietary malnutrition with adequate nutritional intake, the gut microbiome continues to suffer. Some foods that help restore the microbiome following malnutrition are peanuts, bananas, and chickpeas. Feeding children who suffer from malnutrition diets to promote restoration of a healthy gut microbiome may be effective. Attention to dietary intake may be beneficial for restoring a healthy microbiome and overall health overall health following childhood malnutrition.

Reference:

Madhusoodanan J. Inner Workings: Can feeding the gut microbiome treat malnutrition? Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Dec 2021, 118 (50) e2120478118; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120478118