These days, one of the biggest nutritional bandwagons health-conscious consumers can hitch their habits to is the importance of a healthy gut microbiome. Research-backed evidence shows that a healthy gut improves digestion and mental health1 — and now, thanks to new research, we can add the link between gut health and cancer prevention to that list.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition at the end of last year showed that consuming fiber, polyphenols, and minimally processed whole foods benefited the microbial metabolites that regulate critical cancer-related pathways2. The research essentially showed that a healthy gut microbiome could reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, particularly colorectal, breast, and immunotherapy-responsive cancers.
But before you go filling your Amazon cart with a host of over-the-counter probiotics, it’s also worth considering a second study published in Nature Microbiology this December3. This study analyzed the ways in which phytochemicals in plants shape gut microbiome composition, crucially showcasing the innate diversity in our individual guts.
“This means that two people could have the exact same diet but get different health benefits from their food depending on the population of their gut bacteria,” explains Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD at Live it Up, who was not involved in the study. The key takeaway here? It’s time to finish with one-size-fits-all health recommendations (especially gut health advice) once and for all.
Over-the-Counter Probiotics May Not Help with Everyone’s Gut Diversity
Over-the-counter probiotic supplements often feature a similar formula of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, both of which are present in naturally fermented foods like yogurt. These sorts of supplements “place a lot of emphasis on the species of bacteria rather than their function,” explains Moody. And in many cases, that means you’re paying for expensive supplements that do nothing at all.
“Basically, two people could be taking the same probiotic, but metabolize their food completely differently depending on their existing microbiome and gut enzymes,” explains Moody. “This means one probiotic may be hugely beneficial for one person and have exactly zero effects for another person.”
The Future of Probiotics May Be Personalized
The researchers note that the study “could inform the development of next-generation probiotics,” an exciting potential industry that could pave the way for more effective probiotic therapies that are tailored to the individual.
“Identifying and isolating gut bacteria with specific beneficial properties based on their postbiotic capacity may provide more effective probiotic therapies well adapted to the human gastrointestinal environment for disease prevention and treatment,” write the researchers. And for Moody, the results pave the way for a more individualized approach better suited to our unique gutprint.
“These results indicate a potential for an entirely new realm of personalized nutrition advice,” says Moody. “Given this evidence, if the health effects of a diet are individual, it’s wise to seek out the professionals that can give individualized advice. That’s us.”
Examine Other One-Size-Fits-All Nutrition Advice
While this study offered a specific look at individuality as it pertains to the gut microbiome, it’s also a good reminder that not all healthy living recommendations you read online are applicable to everyone.
“Compounds like dairy and MSG have been labeled as inflammatory simply because of the dramatic negative effects experienced by the few, despite these foods having health benefits for the many,” says Moody. She notes that in her role as a sports dietitian, she’s seen firsthand the importance of understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness.
”People have often bristled when they’ve seen me throwing foods full of added sugars like hard candy and rice cereal treats at my athletes,” she says. “However, those in my expertise know these carb sources are more effective at enhancing athletic performance than low sugar carbs as they provide more dramatic spikes in energy.”
If you’re looking to truly improve your health, it’s good to be informed of the latest developments in health science. But even more crucial? Seeking out personalized professional advice to cultivate a program that works for your individual body, needs, and goals.
Sources:
- https://www.uchealth.org/today/improving-gut-health-improves-all-aspects-of-your-health/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022316625008077?via%3Dihub
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-02197-z#Sec8
