Me and my team are passionate about the microbiome because our own research and the research from other teams has recently shown that what we eat (like the amount and food sources of dietary protein and fibers), can change:

• how well the human gut bacteria contribute to our own digestion and absorption of nutrients;
• the environment in our gut that affects the bacteria composition and activity.

Different bacteria produce different ‘terminal products’ that have an effect on our gut lining (gut barrier in scientist speak) meaning they can be harmful or supporting a well-functioning gut lining. A well-functioning gut lining that renews itself regularly (because it has a good energy cycle within the cell and the DNA replication works well) means that the intestine will likely remain healthy.