Volume 5 | Issue 2
D I S COVER Research that matters from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Research within the College of ACES impacts all our lives. With expertise in agriculture and the environment, data and technology, family and communities, and health and wellness, our reach is both broad and deep. Uniting us is a deep commitment to solving real-world problems affecting Central Illinois, the United States, and the globe. Here, we highlight a fraction of our world-class research in the area of health and wellness, revealing impactful new findings in the areas of gut health, allergen testing, COVID-19 evolution, and the mental health of farm families.
DIET QUALITY AFFECTS THE GUT MICROBIOTA TO PROMOTE HEALTH Our gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of microorganisms that contribute to many physiological processes. Illinois researchers investigated the role of diet in supporting a healthy gastrointestinal microbiota. They analyzed data from the American Gut Project, which includes fecal samples from thousands of people across the U.S. Their findings showed that individuals who most closely followed the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, via MyPlate, had the highest gut microbiota diversity and a larger presence of beneficial bacteria. Thus, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, as outlined in MyPlate, is not just good for your overall health, it also nourishes your gut microbes. As we understand more about the interaction of diet, microbiota, and health, some gut microbes may become targets of dietary recommendations in the future, the researchers said.
A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and fiber supports a healthy gut microbiome.
EXPLORING MENTAL HEALTH AMONG FARM FAMILIES
60% of farmers and their children have symptoms of mild depression compared to 17-18% of the general public.
aces-research@illinois.edu
In a five-year study, Illinois researchers found stress on the farm extends to adolescent children. Although most anxiety stems from economic sources in agriculture, adolescents understand struggles within the farming community. Researchers found 60% of farmers and their children have symptoms of mild depression as a result, despite self-diagnosing emotional health at normal levels. In response to these findings, the University of Illinois is expanding its mental health resources for farming community families. For example, Illinois Extension’s North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center offers mental health resources to various states, providing face-to-face health intervention and support. With two years of data collection left, researchers are working to provide a better standard of mental health to farmers now and in the future.
aces.illinois.edu/research/areas/health-wellness