British researchers have discovered a diet rich in wholegrain bread, vegetables, and beans can help prevent food poisoning by nurturing beneficial bacteria in the gut. The study, which analyzed the microbiome of 12,000 people from 45 countries, found that those with high levels of fibre had higher protection against bugs that cause food poisoning.
According to experts, a diet high in fibre helps promote Faecalibacterium, a type of protective bacteria that destroys Enterobacteriaceae, a group of bugs that includes Shigella and E.coli. These friendly bacteria feed on fibre and convert it into beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids, which help protect against food poisoning.
The researchers also highlighted the growing problem of antibiotic resistance among these disease-causing bacteria, making prevention more crucial than ever. The study’s findings suggest that a diet rich in fibre can act as a preventative measure, reducing the chances of suffering from potentially deadly food poisoning.
Interestingly, the UK records nearly 2.5 million cases of food poisoning per year, with an estimated 200 fatalities annually. However, researchers believe that a gut-friendly diet may hold the key to preventing these illnesses.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14270049/diet-protect-gut-against-food-poisoning.html