Gut bacteria may play a major role in heart and body health, according to new findings. Professors Tim Spector and Nicola Segata shared their discoveries in a recent ZOE video (September 2025), and the research will appear in Nature. The study, based on more than 34,000 participants, links gut bacteria to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and stroke.
A Balance of Good and Bad Gut Bacteria
The researchers identified 50 “good” types of bacteria and 50 “bad” types
“Our microbes are like mini pharmacies,” said Professor Spector .
“Good bugs boost the benefits of healthy food. Meanwhile, bad bugs make chemicals that can damage our body.”
As a result, having more good bacteria blocks harmful ones. This reduces inflammation and lowers disease risk
Every Gut Is Different
The study showed that no two gut systems are the same. Even identical twins share only 40 percent of their gut bacteria. For most people, more than 60 percent of microbes are unique.
In addition, this means diet advice may need to be personalized. Future nutrition plans could be tailored to each person’s unique gut microbiome.
New Bacteria Found
Using advanced DNA testing, the team discovered several bacteria that had never been studied before. For example, one bacterium, SGB15249, links strongly with heart and body health.
“This bug was never grown or seen before. However, we found its unique DNA thousands of times. This firmly links it with health,” said Professor Segata.
Another newly discovered type grows well when people eat nuts and seeds. This shows how diet feeds specific good bacteria.
Probiotics Alone May Not Work for Gut Bacteria
Many probiotic pills do not contain these helpful bacteria.
“Store bought probiotics are passing visitors that rarely stay. Instead, the real way to grow good bugs is feeding them the right plant fibres from different plants,” the researchers explained.
Therefore, eating real food supports gut health better than capsules.
Gut Bacteria – The Importance of Variety
The team emphasized eating 30 or more different plant foods each week. Beans, seeds, nuts, grains, fruits, and fermented foods all help build a strong, diverse gut bacteria.
As a result of eating a wide variety of plants, the gut hosts more types of good bacteria. This makes the gut stronger and more resilient.
Include tiny but powerful plants like microgreens in your diet. They feed good gut bacteria and are easy to grow at home. Learn how here.
What the Future May Bring
Gut testing could become as common as checking blood pressure. The “good to bad bug” ratio may help doctors spot problems early and guide personalized nutrition plans.
Professor Spector called this a “watershed moment,” noting it could also lead to better probiotics in the future
Key Takeaways
- Gut bacteria strongly affect heart and body health
- About 50 good and 50 bad types were identified
- Each person’s gut is mostly unique
- Newly discovered bacteria, like SGB15249, link to better health
- Probiotics often don’t contain the most helpful types
- Eating 30+ plant foods weekly supports gut health
- Gut testing could guide personal diets
Reference Zoe 2025
Closing Note
These findings show that gut bacteria play a key role in overall health. However, while gut testing may become routine in the future, one simple step works today: eat a wide variety of plants. Doing so nourishes your gut and may improve heart and body health over time
If you want to learn more about how to feed your gut, check out our article on the hidden gut-healing power of fermented foods.
You can also explore how diet links to mental well-being in Gut Health, Food, and Depression: The Dangerous Truth You Need to Know.
Find out more about ZOE and their gut health research
