Title: Indigenous Yanomami and Sardinians Offer Valuable Insights into the Gut Microbiota for Optimal Health
Subtitle: Their diverse diets contribute to a robust and beneficial gut microbiota, promoting overall well-being
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The Yanomami, an indigenous community residing in the Amazon forest, boasts the most diverse gut microbiota of any population studied thus far. The lifestyle and dietary habits of the Yanomami play a pivotal role in harmonizing their gut bacteria, viruses, and fungi with their environment, as they consume a wide range of foods found in their surroundings. From unconventional sources like piranhas, boas, monkeys, and caterpillars to local vegetation such as plantains, the Yanomami rely on their diverse diet to influence the trillions of microorganisms living in their guts.
According to Luca Masucci, an aggregate professor at the Institute of Microbiology and head of the Molecular Diagnostics and Microbiota Manipulation Operating Unit at Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, the composition and modulation of the gut microbiota are influenced by various factors including lifestyle, movement, drug intake, genetics, and environment. However, diet plays a significant role, accounting for over 50% of the gut microbiota. Masucci emphasizes that a varied and natural diet, like the one followed by the Yanomami, is crucial for maintaining optimal well-being.
A study published in the American Society for Microbiology Journals supports the notion that a varied plant-based diet can significantly diversify the gut microbiota. Individuals who consume more than 30 types of plant-based foods per week exhibit a greater diversity of gut microbes compared to those who consume a limited selection of up to 10 types. Masucci highlights the contrast between Western industrialized societies, where processed foods laden with sugars, pro-inflammatory refined carbohydrates, and low in fibers dominate, and the natural diet of the Yanomami. Fibers, which are abundant in plant-based foods, serve as the favorite food for gut bacteria, producing beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids. These compounds have been found to positively impact metabolism, the immune system, and reduce inflammation, which is the underlying feature of chronic-degenerative diseases.
A similar example of how isolation has shaped unique dietary and genetic characteristics can be found in the region of Sardinia, Italy. Despite being a “Western” region, insularity has played a significant role in preserving genetic traits and dietary patterns that distinguish the Sardinians. Aldo Manzin, a full professor of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology at the University of Cagliari, explains that Sardinia, along with four other locations worldwide, represents a “blue zone,” where residents enjoy significantly higher life expectancies than the global average. Microbiota studies conducted on Sardinian centenarians reveal a special gut microbiota characterized by high species representation, abundance, and richness. This particular richness limits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and promotes overall health.
Manzin stresses that a healthy diet alone is not enough to maintain optimal health. Daily physical activity, both in work and recreational forms like traditional dances, is essential. Moreover, the value of community and family, an outdoor lifestyle, a sense of purpose, and the belief that life is a precious gift contribute to the unique and beneficial characteristics observed in the Sardinian culture.
The Sardinian-Mediterranean diet, practiced in Sardinia, adheres closely to the principles of the true Mediterranean diet. Extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dried fruits, legumes, and local dairy products form the foundation of this cuisine. Animal products, such as eggs, oily fish, seafood, and local meats, are consumed in moderation. The morning ritual of the “breakfast of the Sardinian centenary” entails cow’s or goat’s milk, Sardinian yogurt (gioddu), wholemeal bread, and honey as a natural sweetener. This balanced and predominantly plant-based diet has been passed down through generations and contributes to the overall health and longevity of the Sardinian population.
The lifestyles and dietary practices of the Yanomami tribe and the residents of Sardinia provide valuable insights into the significance of maintaining a diverse and natural diet for the promotion of a healthy gut microbiota. As scientific research continues to emphasize the critical role of gut health in overall well-being, incorporating lessons from these populations can guide individuals toward a more holistic approach to nutrition and its impact on microbiota diversity.