Nutrition & DietYour Gut Bacteria Decide Whether Meat Harms Your Heart and Fiber Helps Your Metabolism
Gut health and diet are closely linked, according to this NutritionFacts.org piece by Michael Greger. When we eat meat, dairy, or eggs, certain gut bacteria convert carnitine and choline into TMAO, a compound linked to heart attack, stroke, and death. Studies cited show that TMAO spikes after eating eggs or steak, but not after a week of antibiotics wipes out gut bacteria. Whole plant foods work in reverse. Gut bacteria ferment fiber and resistant starch into short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which are tied to less inflammation, better insulin sensitivity, and a stronger gut barrier. In one study, three daily servings of barley kernels improved insulin response by about 25% within three days, but only in people with fiber-fermenting bacteria such as Prevotella. Prevotella levels track with long-term fiber intake, so eating more plants may build the microbial community needed to benefit from them.
