A new diet that uses non-industrialized foods to replicate traditional eating patterns may be the key to lowering the risk of a number of chronic illnesses and aiding in weight loss.

Chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease have significantly increased as a result of industrialized diets that are low in fiber and high in processed foods.

The new diet titled "NiMe" (Non-industrialised Microbiome Restore) diet is inspired by the eating habits of non-industrialised societies.

It consists of plant-based focus, but is not vegetarian. It is primarily made up of vegetables, legumes, and other whole-plant foods. It also incudes one small serving of animal protein per day (salmon, chicken, or pork) with no dairy, beef, or wheat.

The international study led by Irish researchers showed that the NiMe diet enhanced short-term persistence of L. reuteri -- a beneficial bacterium prevalent in the gut of people with traditional eating habits.

"Industrialisation has drastically impacted our gut microbiome, likely increasing the risk of chronic diseases," said Professor Jens Walter, scientist at the University College Cork in Ireland.

The NiMe diet is also very low in processed foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat, and is fibre-rich. The fibre content was 22 grams per 1,000 calories -- exceeding current dietary recommendations.

In a strictly controlled human trial, the team found that the new diet led to significant metabolic and immunological improvements in a human intervention study.