A new study published in Communications Biology has shown how mice with different gut microbiomes gain weight when eating processed food. Researchers examined how fungi in the gut microbiome changed the host’s metabolic reaction to refined and processed foods. The study used genetically identical mice with different fungal microbiomes. Researchers then fed mice regular mouse food, or processed food similar to that of an average American diet for six weeks.

The research showed that eating processed foods made most mice gain weight, but how much, and how their metabolism changed depended on the microbiome of the mice.

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We found that mice whose gut microbiomes contained more of the fungi Thermomyces – which manufacturers use to break down fat in commercial processes – and less Saccharomyces – yeasts used in baking and brewing – gained about 15% more weight than the mice with different microbiomes. We found similar but smaller differences in mice on a normal diet.

Fungal microbiome: Whether mice get fatter or thinner depends on the fungi that live in their gut

Similar findings have been found true for humans as well. Research has shown that the average American has to work out more and eat less to maintain the same weight as 20-30 years ago.

Many COVID-19 patients are testing positive for COVID-19 through stool samples even after testing negative for viral respiratory infections. Scientists have found that patients have prolonged viral gut infections, even without gastrointestinal symptoms.

SARS-Cov-2 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets but finding viral infections in the stool of patients shows that Sars-CoV-2 does more than just infect the respiratory system. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 also affects the intestinal tract.

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“We used to think of SARS-CoV-2 as just a pulmonary or respiratory disease,” said Siew Chien Ng, assistant dean of medicine and associate director of the university’s Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, in an interview Tuesday. “But over the last couple months, a lot of evidence has emerged that SARS-CoV-2 also affects the intestinal tract.”

Covid-19 May Cause Prolonged Gut Infection, Scientists Say

Within a study that tested 73 patients, more than half tested positive for coronavirus through stool samples. Data collected showed that patients who tested positive for COVID-19 in the gut had an abundance of opportunistic microbes and a loss of beneficial protective microbes. This was amplified in cases where antibiotics were used for treatment.

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Scientists are just now beginning to understand the important role gut health plays in overall health. We have known this for quite some time. If you’re at all worried about COVID-19 or any other disease, the best thing you can do is focus on gut health.