A significant part of these diseases is related to lifestyle and diet. More and more research shows that our gut microbiome plays a key role in this. Yet we still know little about what we ourselves can do to support our gut microbiome. This is worrying, because this is precisely where opportunities to prevent diseases lie.
The microbiome: small in size, big in effect
In our gut lives a collection of bacteria, viruses and fungi: the gut microbiome. This microbiome plays a central role in our health. It influences not only digestion, but also the immune system, metabolism and overall well-being. There is increasing scientific evidence that nutrition plays a key role in this.
"More and more chronic diseases are associated with our lifestyle and diet. Yet we still do too little with this in practice. "
- Remco Kort, microbiologist at VU University Amsterdam
A missed opportunity for prevention
High-fibre foods and fermented products, such as yoghurt, sauerkraut and kimchi, can increase the functionality and resilience of gut bacteria. Yet the average fibre intake in the Netherlands remains far below the recommended amount at 20 grams: 40 grams per day for men, 30 grams for women. Fermented foods are also hardly on many people's menu. At the same time, we increasingly eat ultra-processed products that contain little fibre and contribute to the increase in chronic diseases.
From science to daily life
Despite the growing amount of research on the gut microbiome, these scientific insights do not reach people sufficiently, even though it is precisely small and feasible adjustments in daily diet that can have a large and lasting effect on health.
That is why the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, supported by the VU Fund, is launching a large-scale study involving as many people as possible. The goal? More than 10,000 participants. Together, this is how we bring science and practice together. This is how we translate research into concrete, applicable insights for everyday life.
"If we are serious about prevention, we need to actively involve people. Otherwise, we will keep running behind the facts: with ever higher healthcare costs and ever more people with chronic complaints. "
- Remco Kort, microbiologist at VU University Amsterdam
Research for and by society
Previous research at VU University Amsterdam shows that people permanently improve their eating behaviour when they participate in research and keep track of their eating habits. Concrete food choices can thus have a long-term effect on health.
This type of research is so effective precisely because people are actively involved and it ties in with everyday life.This involvement results in knowledge that extends beyond the walls of the university.