Tag: Enterotypes

According to a 2011 study published in the journal *Nature*, researchers discovered that humans could be clustered into three distinct 'enterotypes' based on the dominant bacteria in their gut. This groundbreaking discovery sparked immense interest in the idea of a gut type, a concept that has since evolved and is often misunderstood in popular wellness culture.

Research consistently shows that diet is a major influence on the gut microbiome, with individuals consuming plant-rich diets tending to have higher levels of Prevotella bacteria. Instead of finding Prevotella directly in food, the goal is to consume specific nutrients that act as a food source, fostering the growth of these beneficial microbes in the gut.

Research in 2011 initially suggested humans possess three distinct gut “enterotypes,” characterized by dominant bacteria such as *Bacteroides*, *Prevotella*, and *Ruminococcus*. However, the question of how many gut types are there has evolved, revealing a much more complex picture of individualized microbial ecosystems.