Foods That Can Work Against Your Microbiome

Just as some foods nourish beneficial bacteria, others can work against microbial diversity when they dominate the diet. Some research suggests artificial sweeteners like sucralose and saccharin may alter microbiome composition in certain contexts, but the evidence is still ingredient-specific and developing.

Excessive sugar feeds bacteria that produce inflammatory compounds, while low-fiber processed food essentially starves beneficial species. A diet of mostly processed food can sharply reduce microbial diversity in a matter of weeks.