Delving into the gut, the hosts explain the digestive processes and the gut-brain connection. They explore the impact of gut bacteria on anxiety and depression. The use of probiotic and prebiotic supplements for gut health is discussed, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence and reaching the large intestine.
The gut plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system function.
The gut-brain connection allows the microbiome in our gut to influence brain functioning and mental health, suggesting potential therapies for psychiatric conditions.
Deep dives
The Gut and its Functions
Our gut, which includes all the organs involved in digestion, plays a crucial role in breaking down food. The stomach grinds up food, adds acid for breakdown, and passes it to the small intestine for nutrient absorption. The large intestine absorbs most of the water, and what's left becomes feces. The gut also acts as a barrier against harmful microbes and has an immune system to prevent illness.
The Gut-Brain Connection
The gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve, which allows for bidirectional signaling. Research has shown that the microbiome in our gut can influence our brain's functioning and mental health. For example, certain probiotics have improved brain activity and emotion processing. Studies also suggest a link between gut bacteria and anxiety, revealing the potential for microbiome-related therapies in psychiatry.
Probiotics and Gut Health
Probiotics and prebiotics have gained popularity as supplements for gut health. Probiotics contain beneficial microorganisms, while prebiotics are fibers that feed the gut microbiome. However, the effectiveness of these supplements varies, as many probiotics may not survive the harsh stomach environment to reach the large intestine. It's important to choose supplements with scientific evidence, ensuring survival and positive effects on the microbiome.
How much do you think about your gut? Are you taking a probiotic or prebiotic? If so, you’re not alone as globally we spend billions of dollars on soothing our stomachs.
Our guts do so much more than just digest our food and there’s a very special connection to our brain.
So how exactly does our gut work? And what do we need to do in order to keep it healthy?
Presenter: Tanya Beckett
Producer: Louise Clarke
Researcher: Matt Toulson
Sound engineer: Nicky Edwards
Contributors:
Geoff Preidis, a gastroenterologist at Baylor college of medicine at Texas children’s hospital in Houston
Dr Jane Foster, Professor of Depression Research and Clinical Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Martin Ham, Business Development Manager, NIZO
Dr. Gail Hecht is Professor of Medicine and Microbiology/Immunology, and Gastroenterology and Nutrition
(Photo: Man bites in to cheeseburger. Credit: Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images)
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