Nutrition & DietFecal Transplants Show Promise for Colitis, MS, Depression and Even Alcohol Cravings
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is moving well beyond treating gut infections. This NutritionFacts.org video reviews randomized controlled trials and case reports examining FMT for ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, depression, bipolar disorder, and alcoholism. The most striking finding involves alcohol cravings — suggesting the gut microbiome may directly influence addictive behavior through the gut-brain axis. Dr. Greger also points viewers toward diet-based alternatives for improving microbiome health, including prebiotic foods and fiber-rich eating patterns. While FMT remains experimental for most of these conditions, the evidence signals that the microbiome plays a broader role in systemic and neurological health than previously understood. For those not ready for 'brown smoothies,' dietary strategies remain the most accessible starting point.
