Healthy diet Thanks to fiber, overcome the stress
How does the consumption of fiber-rich food affect you??
Researchers have now found that eating fiber-rich foods reduces stress in the body. In addition, consumption prevents food and bacteria from entering the bloodstream.
Researchers at University College Cork found in their recent research that eating fiber-rich foods reduces stress in the body. This also prevents bacteria from entering the blood from the intestine.
A healthy diet with many fiber-rich foods brings digestion up to speed and protects against stress. (Image: PhotoSG / fotolia.com)Fiber contains short-chain fatty acids
The connection between the bacteria in our body and our behavior, especially anxiety and stress, is a growing field of scientific research. Fibers found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains are the main source of so-called short-chain fatty acids in the body.
What causes low concentrations of short chain fatty acids?
Low levels of short-chain fatty acids over a long period of time cause the intestine to function less effectively and to leak. The researchers say that the leaky gut wall allows undigested food particles, bacteria and germs to enter the bloodstream and cause prolonged inflammation.
Reduce short-chain fatty acids anxiety in the brain?
Studies in mice have already shown that supplementation with short-chain fatty acids in those affected has resulted in fewer anxiety and depressive behaviors, more sociable, and better cognitive abilities. The short-chain fatty acids appear to cause a reduction in anxiety in the brain, the authors suggest. The inside of the intestine is surrounded by a single cell layer which forms the mucosal barrier between the inside of the intestine and the rest of the body. This barrier is involved in the absorption of nutrients, but prevents most of the large molecules and germs in the gut from entering the bloodstream and possibly causing inflammation.
What role do intestinal bacteria play in regulating behavior??
There is a growing recognition of the role of gut bacteria and the substances they provide in regulating physiology and behavior, says study author Professor John Cryan of University College Cork, according to the English-language journal Daily Mail. Little is known about the role of short-chain fatty acids in this process. It will be crucial to investigate whether short-chain fatty acids can relieve the symptoms of stress-related disorders in humans.
Short-chain fatty acids protect against cancer
Certain substances, such as alcohol, aspirin and analgesics (for example, ibuprofen) may irritate the intestinal mucosa. As a result, the seal between the cells is damaged, so that some substances can pass through the gaps in the blood, explain the physicians. Short chain fatty acids include acetate, propionate and butyrate. Previous studies have already shown that short-chain fatty acids can play a key role in the prevention and treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly colon cancer. It has been discovered that butyrate keeps cells healthy in the colon and prevents the growth of tumors, the researchers add. (As)