Scientists Reveal Diet That Fights Off Life-Threatening Infections

Eating a diet rich in fiber from beans, legumes, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and seeds could promote the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut and help the body fight potentially dangerous infections.

A study by scientists at the U.K.’s University of Cambridge recently found that 135 species of gut bacteria were linked to the absence of Enterobacteriaceae, a group of bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections.

“There is a lot of research showing how fiber affects our gut in a positive way,” senior author Alexandre Almeida of Cambridge’s Department of Veterinary Medicine told Newsweek. “First, it helps with digestion by keeping things moving smoothly through our intestines.

“In addition, certain types of fiber act as food for the good bacteria living in our gut. These beneficial bacteria play important roles in digestion and immune function,” he said.