While the role of mothers in pregnancy has long been affirmed as a key factor in the development of children, scientists are now starting to pay attention to the father, specifically their pre-pregnant gut microbiome.
Healthy gut, the foundation for the next generation
A recently published preclinical study shows that intestinal microflora disorders in male mice can impair the metastatic structure of the placenta, an essential part that helps the fetus metabolize nutrients with the mother. This means that an unbalanced digestive system in a father can affect the development, immunity and risk of disease in children.
Sharing about this result, Dr. Andrew Holmes, a microbiologist at the University of Sydney (Australia), emphasized: "Ru is not just a digestive organ, it is an ecosystem that affects hormones, metabolism, and genetics. Ignoring the health of the father's intestines is ignoring an important part of the story of reproduction".
7 foods that men should avoid for their own health and that of their children
"One of the biggest contributors to gut microbiome imbalance is diet," says Dr. Holmes. Here are 7 food groups to limit:
ultra-processed foods: Instant noodles, frozen foods, packaged snacks contain many preservatives and additives that can damage the beneficial microbiome, causing bloating and slow digestion.
Refined sugar: Found in soft drinks, candy, sugar feeds harmful bacteria, causes inflammation, reduces immunity and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Gluten-containing foods: Although not gluten allergic, many people still experience indigestion and fatigue after eating banh mi, pasta, due to irritation of the intestinal lining.
Alcohol: Even if consumed less, alcohol can leak into the intestines, causing inflammation and metabolic disorders.
Red meat: Eating a lot of red meat increases inflammatory bacteria, reduces probiotics, and in the long run can increase the risk of chronic bowel disease.
Genetically modified foods (GMO): Some studies suspect that GMO can change the gut microbiome, affecting microbiological genetics.
Artificial sweeteners: Sucralose, aspartame... in dietary soft drinks can disrupt the balance of the microbiome, increasing the risk of glucose disorders.
