Scientists discover the one nutrient beneficial parasites can’t live without

A new study found that dietary fiber can determine whether beneficial intestinal worms help reduce inflammation or become essentially inactive. With plenty of fiber, the worms remained healthy and supported an anti-inflammatory response, while a low-fiber diet pushed them into a hibernation-like state that eliminated those benefits. Researchers also found that fiber-rich diets promoted healthier gut bacteria, whereas Western-style diets reduced microbial diversity and encouraged less desirable microbes.