New Delhi: A newly developed diet inspired by traditional eating habits, called the NiMe (Non-industrialised Microbiome Restore) diet, may play a significant role in reducing chronic disease risk and aiding weight loss. The diet mimics non-industrialised food patterns and counters the impact of processed, fibre-deficient diets associated with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The NiMe diet emphasizes a plant-based approach but is not strictly vegetarian. It consists primarily of vegetables, legumes, and other whole-plant foods, alongside a small daily serving of animal protein such as salmon, chicken, or pork. It excludes dairy, beef, and wheat and is notably low in processed foods high in sugar and saturated fats. The diet is also rich in fibre, providing 22 grams per 1,000 calories—surpassing current dietary recommendations.
An international study led by researchers from University College Cork, Ireland, found that the diet significantly influenced gut health. It enhanced the short-term persistence of Lactobacillus reuteri, a beneficial gut bacterium common in individuals with traditional diets, reversing some of the microbiome changes linked to industrialisation.
In a controlled human trial, participants on the NiMe diet experienced several health benefits in just three weeks. These included a 17% reduction in bad cholesterol, a 6% drop in blood sugar levels, and a 14% decrease in C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation and heart disease. Additionally, participants lost weight without reducing calorie intake, with improvements tied to positive changes in their gut microbiome.
The diet also repaired microbiome features compromised by industrialisation. It decreased the presence of pro-inflammatory bacteria and bacterial genes that erode the gut’s protective mucus layer, promoting better metabolic and immunological health.
“Industrialisation has significantly altered our gut microbiome, likely increasing the prevalence of chronic diseases,” said Professor Jens Walter, lead researcher of the study. The results, published in the journal Cell, demonstrate how specific dietary approaches targeting gut health can improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
This study underscores the potential of microbiome-focused diets like NiMe to promote metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and support long-term disease prevention.