A recent study conducted by researchers from various Spanish institutions has found that an increase in flatulence when switching to a plant-based diet may indicate a healthier gut microbiome. Published in Nutrients, the study examined how a plant-based Mediterranean diet impacts digestion and gut health.
The researchers enlisted 18 healthy male volunteers who first followed a western-style diet before transitioning to a plant-based Mediterranean diet for two weeks. During the study, participants were asked to record their daily bowel movements, stool size, and instances of flatulence. They also participated in randomized testing to measure the gas released during episodes of flatulence.
The results revealed no significant change in the frequency of bowel movements but a notable increase in stool size, which the researchers attributed to higher bacterial growth and excretion. Flatulence episodes increased by seven times on the plant-based diet, with each instance producing approximately 50% more gas. This increase in gas was linked to the fermentation of plant material in the gut.
The study suggests that a plant-based diet supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to improved overall gut health.
