In the modern era of eating, it seems as if we’ve sacrificed good nutrition for convenience, as evident by the explosion of processed junk food that has become so prominent in our diets. While these foods taste good and are easy to make, they can lead to some adverse consequences, and are linked to such health problems as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers.

Now, researchers have gained a better understanding of how eating too much junk food may contribute to obesity. It turns out that when a diet in laboratory animals is switched from being low fat and plant based to one with high fat and sugar, it can profoundly affect the microbial makeup of their gut. The change can happen in less than a day, and shifts the flora to one where obesity-linked microbes can thrive. The animals in the study eventually became obese, as opposed to animals on low fat diets.

The microbes in question are ones that have genes that are geared towards extracting calories from foods that are common in the “western diet.” Using sophisticated DNA sequencing technology, scientists were able to determine that when fed such a diet, these genes were activated upon exposure to the higher levels of sugar and fat

The findings, which were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, illustrate the relationship that exists between the foods we eat and the resulting intestinal microbes that thrive as a result. These same microbes can play an important role in our metabolism and as a consequence, our weight.

Understanding human nutrition is a complex endeavor, because there are so many factors involved, including heredity, environment, and cultural factors, all of which are difficult to control. The current study brings forth a new model that allows researchers to study one aspect of nutrition, the link between diet and microbial flora, in isolation of other factors, the implications of which are huge, and will hopefully lead to a better understanding of this relationship in humans.

The human intestinal tract contains trillions of bacteria, and current research has indicated that rather than simply being harmless residents in our gut, the microbial flora actually plays an integral role in our overall health. The microbes perform numerous biological functions that influence many important metabolic processes, including digestion, immunity, endocrine functions and fat metabolism.

When the environment in your intestines is altered or compromised, it can upset of the microbial balance and potentially lead to health problems, including obesity, indigestion, diarrhea, lowered immunity, and even some autoimmune disorders. Problems with your intestinal flora can be related to stress, medication (namely antibiotics), fatigue, and of course, diet.

The western diet is one which is characterized by processed foods that high in sugar, fat, and salt. If you have concerns about your diet, speak with your doctor, or consult with a nutritional expert. For more information about your intestinal microflora, visit the website for the European Union Food Information Council (EUFIC). To learn more about the Western Diet, visit the website for the American Heart Association.