The study went into a lot of detail about the scientific findings of the multitude of studies that it looked at.  It then summarized its finding with regard to the prevalence and balance of particular microbiota, or gut bugs, resulting from each diet.  Amongst many it looked at, two beneficial bacteria were Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.

The study concluded that a Mediterranean Diet centred around fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, legumes and whole grains was the best diet for creating a healthy gut with microbiota diversity and stability. It found that the Mediterranean Diet has been linked to a large number of health benefits including the prevention of many diseases. So by eating a predominantly plant based diet and reducing the consumption of red meat and animal fats, we can increase the number of beneficial bacteria in our gut microbiome.

Conversely, eating a diet high in animal protein and saturated fat, sugar and salt can stimulate the growth of pathogenic bacteria in our gut microbiome.

The study very clearly concluded that a Western style diet that included industrialized food and food additives was likely to lead to the increase incidence of chronic disease.

The Mediterranean diet was found to be the “evergreen solution” to optimizing gut health and immune function and preventing disease including many gastrointestinal disorders and neurological disorders.

The study also alluded to the fact that future study of the gut microbiome may lead us to the development of personalized diets that modulate and restore gut health.