ScienceDiscoverstheMicrobiome

For generations, thoughtful individuals within and outside the medical profession have posited the importance of whole, unprocessed foods for both overall and intestinal health. They have recognized the complexity of interactions among the vast array of micronutrients and the human body, making it difficult to draw definitive cause-and-effect conclusions regarding specific nutrients. The rationale for a simple, minimally processed diet is straightforward: humans evolve genetically at a glacial pace, so it makes sense to consume foods that our bodies are designed to process.
However, the food processing industry has attempted to make processed long shelf life foods more palatable by using additives such as flavor enhancers, food dyes, and preservative ingredients that our bodies are not equipped to handle. They have even eliminated nutritious fiber from many products. Consequently, a troubling trend has emerged in the U.S., where early-onset malignancies, particularly colon cancer, have become a serious
concern.

A rational solution would be to return to a whole-foods diet rich in vitamins, fiber, and micronutrients.
The scientific community is rightly interested in identifying the dietary factors contributing to this toxicity.

Today, the microbiome has become a buzzword in immunology and oncology. Scientists have discovered trillions of organisms that interact with one another and have profound effects throughout the body. Antibiotics and illnesses can disrupt this balance, and the introduction of processed foods has likely had significant impacts on our health.

Research is underway to uncover the relationships between diet and health. While it is exciting that this fascinating aspect of our biology is being rigorously studied, the complexity of interactions among various organisms and micronutrients presents a significant challenge. Unscrupulous vendors may promote products of dubious utility. In my opinion, the focus should be on thorough research, while public policy should prioritize cleaning up our food supply and promoting a return to more traditional, minimally processed foods