Mayo Clinic on Nutrition The Functionality of Fiber: Caring for Your Gut Microbiome
Jul 29, 2025
Dr. Purna Kashyap, a gastroenterologist and researcher at Mayo Clinic, delves into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome. He discusses the critical role of fiber in gut health and how undigested fibers nourish beneficial microbes. Dr. Kashyap explains the intricate relationship between diet and microbiome diversity, warning against the dangers of highly processed foods. He also critiques at-home microbiome tests and shares insights on the effectiveness of probiotics, emphasizing the value of whole, plant-based diets for a thriving gut.
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Multiple Distinct Microbiomes Exist
- The body hosts multiple distinct microbiomes like skin, lung, and reproductive tract with unique functions.
- The gut microbiome is the most diverse and performs broad metabolic roles essential to health.
Microbes Turn Undigested Food Into Useful Molecules
- Gut microbes metabolize dietary components we cannot digest and produce beneficial byproducts like short-chain fatty acids.
- These products maintain the colon wall and gut barrier, supporting intestinal health.
Good Microbes Can Turn Harmful
- The microbiome is not strictly 'good' or 'bad' and exists on a continuum where beneficial microbes can become harmful under stress.
- Maintaining balance is key because stressed microbes may act against host health.