Why Are Nutrition and Gut Health Important?

Gut health affects our entire body. But did you know that brain and gut health are interconnected?

Scientific research in recent years has revealed a fact that has radically changed what we know about human health. We have learned that the brain and intestines are organs that are in constant communication with each other and that affect each other. Our intestines, referred to as the “second brain,” play a critical role not only in the digestive system but also in our mental health. This two-way communication between the brain and intestines affects many factors, from the immune system to mood, from stress management to general energy levels.

The Relationship Between the Gut and the Brain

From Acıbadem LifeClub Healthy Living Services Specialist Dr. İrem Önlen, said the following about the relationship between the brain and the gut: “We have been hearing this expression a lot lately. The reason for this is that the gut is in close interaction and communication with hormonal activity and the nervous system. 90% of the happiness hormone “Serotonin” is produced in a healthy gut. A significant portion of the calming neurotransmitter called “Gaba” is produced by bacteria in a healthy gut. Of course, the relationship between the interaction of these neurotransmitters with our brain through sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve networks and our mood is still a research topic that has not been clearly revealed.”

What is the Gut Microbiome?

Indicating that intestinal flora is formed in the neonatal period Specialist Dr. İrem Önlen“The digestive tract surface consists of 250-400 m2, or an area the size of a tennis court. Approximately 2 m2 of the human body is covered with skin and 400 m2 with mucosal surface. The number of bacteria living on skin and mucosal surfaces (in the intestinal system, skin, urogenital system, mouth and nasal cavities) is greater than the human’s own cells. The normal flora of the Gastrointestinal System (GIS) is sterile at birth, but is acquired during the neonatal period. This flora is formed by factors such as the mother’s diet, whether or not she takes probiotics, the method of delivery (vaginal or surgical), gestational age, and the baby’s diet (breast milk or formula),” he said.

How Does Stress Affect the Gut?

From Acıbadem LifeClub physicians Specialist Dr. İrem Önlen, emphasized that stress is a biological response mechanism that affects the body physically, emotionally and mentally: “Several pathways have been described by which stress regulates the structure and activity of the gut microbiota. In particular, catecholamines and other neuroendocrine hormones directly regulate microbial growth and are secreted by intestinal cells in the GI tract in response to stress. In addition, stress-induced changes in signaling via the vagus nerve and enteric nervous system alter gut motility and reduce digestive activity, likely by regulating physical forces in the GI tract and altering substrate availability, affecting the gut microbiota. Blood is diverted away from the intestines during the stress response, especially in response to intense exercise and heat stress, which can initiate a cycle of hypoperfusion, ischemia and reperfusion that alters intestinal mucosal oxygenation and can create oxidative stress and inflammation. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system by triggering the flight-or-fight mechanism; it increases adrenaline and cortisol hormones. It affects bowel movements, increases stomach acid, and causes reflux and heartburn, which in turn causes ulcers. Thus, it causes inflammation in the body, disrupting the microbiome, reducing beneficial bacteria and causing harmful ones to multiply.”

How Does Gut Flora Trigger Stress?

Pointing out that intestinal flora also significantly affects stress, Specialist Dr. Önlen, concluded his words as follows: “When the healthy microbiome in the gut decreases, the brain becomes more sensitive to stressful situations. In particular, the decrease in bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can contribute to increased stress. Toxins produced by the increase in harmful bacteria can increase stress responses in the brain, thus causing us to experience emotional states such as anxiety, anger, panic attacks, and depression more frequently. It shows that the response of the gut microbiota to stress in both the short and long term can be either health-enhancing (with cold exposure), health-disrupting (with psychological stress, circadian disruption, and high altitude), or both (with physical activity and diet). This means that the gut microbiota can be a factor contributing to negative stress-related health outcomes, but can also provide a tool to positively regulate the host stress response. We can protect our gut health by consuming probiotic and prebiotic foods, not using antibiotics unless necessary, engaging in activities that will provide stress regulation, and breathing correctly.”

Source: HORECA TREND and Science and Health News Agency