Gastrointestinal Disease, Microbiome, Probiotics, Supplements, Weight Research / 03.12.2024

Editor's note:  Please consult with your health care provider before using any supplements including probiotics. Side effects are uncommon but may occur. The connection between the gut and the brain is one of the most fascinating areas of research in recent years, with scientists uncovering how the microbiome—the trillions of microorganisms residing in our digestive system—can affect not just our digestion and immune system but also our feelings of hunger and satiety. As the science behind the gut-brain axis continues to unfold, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the health of our gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in regulating appetite, food intake, and body weight. [caption id="attachment_65262" align="aligncenter" width="333"]hunger-appetitie-gutbacteria Photo by cottonbro studio [/caption] Understanding the intricate relationship between gut health and appetite regulation has profound implications for combating obesity, overeating, and eating-related disorders. In this article, we’ll explore how the microbiome influences hunger, the role it plays in appetite regulation, and what you can do to optimize gut health for better control over your hunger and eating habits. We will also look at products which aim to support a healthy microbiome and improve overall well-being.

The Gut-Brain Axis: A Two-Way Communication

The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal system (gut) and the brain. This connection is facilitated by the vagus nerve, immune pathways, and hormones, which allow the gut and brain to send signals back and forth. Recent research has shown that gut bacteria play a significant role in this communication, influencing not only digestion but also emotions, mental health, and, importantly, appetite regulation. The microbiome, composed of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, affects the brain’s perception of hunger and fullness through the production of various chemicals, including neurotransmitters, hormones, and metabolites. These signals impact brain regions that control appetite, cravings, and food intake.
Author Interviews, Global Health, Nature / 18.08.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_57971" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Weston B Anderson PhD Postdoctoral Reasearch Scientist International Research Institute for Climate and Society The Earth Institute Dr. Anderson[/caption] Dr. Weston B Anderson PhD Postdoctoral Reasearch Scientist International Research Institute for Climate and Society The Earth Institute MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: We find that while drought continues to be a consistent trigger of food crises in Sub-Saharan Africa, protracted conflict has become relatively more important over the last decade. We furthermore find that pastoral livelihoods have taken longer to return to food secure conditions following droughts as compared to agricultural livelihoods.
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Nutrition, Social Issues / 07.10.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_55488" align="alignleft" width="150"]Jason Nagata, MD, MSc Assistant Professor of Pediatrics University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, California  Dr. Nagata, MD[/caption] Jason Nagata, MD, MSc Assistant Professor of Pediatrics University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, California, USA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: During the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity is expected to rise given economic uncertainty and job losses. Vulnerable and marginalized populations are disproportionately affected by both COVID-19 and food insecurity. MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Response: In this perspective, we argue that food insecurity and COVID-19 can exacerbate one another via bidirectional links. Experiencing food insecurity can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weakened host defenses, increasing susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Food insecurity is also associated with chronic medical conditions which may lead to a higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Conversely, people with COVID-19 may not be able to work, generate income, or procure food while quarantined, which may worsen food insecurity.
Author Interviews, NIH, Nutrition, Weight Research / 30.11.2017

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: “Herring in high fructose corn syrup” by Ray Sawhill is licensed under CC BY 2.0Paolo Piaggi PhD and Marie Thearle MD Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institutes of Health, Phoenix, Arizona  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Changes in food preparation have occurred over the recent decades including wide-spread availability of convenience foods and use of fructose as a sweetener. In addition, there is a growing trend to label certain foods as “healthy”. As the ingestion of added sugars and the prevalence of obesity have steadily increased over time, it has been suggested that the increased consumption of simple sugars may have contributed to the recent obesity epidemic. We were interested in understanding whether the body responded to overeating foods with a high carbohydrate content differently if the source of the carbohydrate differed. For example, does it matter if we overeat foods containing whole wheat instead of high-fructose corn syrup? To answer this question, we conducted a study investigating changes in metabolism, circulating hormones, and appetite ratings in humans who were overfed a diet containing 75% carbohydrates for 24 hours. The subjects in the study were overfed with a high carbohydrate diet twice – once with a diet where the source of carbohydrates was whole wheat and once with a diet that contained simple sugars, primarily high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Note that the diets were given in random order with at least three days of recovery in between the overfeeding periods. There was no difference in people’s metabolic rate over 24 hours between the whole-wheat versus high-fructose corn syrup diets; however, the diet containing HFCS resulted in increased hunger scores the next morning even though people had overeaten the day prior. These increased hunger scores were comparable to the hunger scores reported after a day of fasting. Also, 24-hour urinary free cortisol concentrations were higher the day after the diet containing high-fructose corn syrup. Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to physiologic stress.