Metabolic reset purification program improves antioxidant balance and gut microbiome in individuals transitioning to a healthier diet.

UNLABELLED

A healthy diet helps transition individuals towards numerous long-term metabolic benefits but is challenging to maintain. Supplementation with additional whole food-based concentrates and herbs may support this shift by enhancing metabolic resilience. This randomized, controlled, crossover study evaluated a 21-day purification program emphasizing plant foods and whole food supplementation on metabolic detoxification, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota composition. Participants followed a plant-based diet for 7 days, with lean proteins introduced from days 8-21. Whole food supplements rich in polyphenols, glucosinolates, and prebiotic fibers were included to support metabolic and gastrointestinal function. The intervention group exhibited 9% ( < 0.0001) reduction in ROS-associated oxidative stress compared to diet alone, suggesting enhanced redox balance. Additionally, the intervention group exhibited higher urinary creatinine levels, indicating enhanced kidney filtration efficiency ( = 0.03). Self-reported stress levels decreased by 36% ( = 0.049) in the intervention group, with a notable reduction in anxiety related to future uncertainty, demonstrating the psychological benefits of dietary supplementation. Gut microbiome analysis revealed a reduction in , a phylum associated with chronic metabolic and inflammatory diseases, and beneficial increases in , , and , which contribute to gut barrier integrity and butyrate production. These findings highlight the potential of whole food-based supplementation to enhance dietary transitions by reducing oxidative stress, supporting kidney function, alleviating psychological stress, and modulating gut microbiota composition.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05877365.