 Recent studies suggest that the intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating risk of several chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Diet has been found to significantly shape the microbiome, with experiments showing that dietary alterations can induce large, temporary microbial shifts within 24 hours. This association suggests significant therapeutic utility in altering microbial composition through diet. The review evaluates current data on the effects of several common dietary components on intestinal microbiota and shows that consumption of particular types of food produces predictable shifts in existing host bacterial genera. These bacteria affect host immune and metabolic parameters, with broad implications for human health. This article was authored by Rasnik Kasing, Hin Wenchang, Di Yang, and others.