The Brain Can Change The Gut In 2 Hours!

Exciting research this year illustrates how powerful the brain really is!  Until recently, it was widely assumed that meaningful changes to the gut microbiome required months or even years, but this new research shows that in just a rapid two hours, the mind can modify the composition of the gut microbiome! We already know that the gut makes 90% of the serotonin used by the brain, and this new research shows that the gut-brain axis- the communication network between these two -goes both ways! Which makes sense, because the body works as one team… even if the stomach sometimes acts like the diva of the group!

The researchers from the University of California used techniques to selectively activate or inhibit specific neurons in the hypothalamus, specifically AgRP and POMC neurons (these can be increased by fasting, exercise, and protein and fiber rich meals). They then checked how gut microbiota composition changes in different gut segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum) at 2 hours and 4 hours after the brain interventions. These brain interventions produced significant changes in gut microbiota composition within just 2 hours! The effect was shown to be weaker for those who were obese.

These findings unlock possibilities for therapeutic strategies for a variety of disorders  by targeting gut-brain interactions!

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