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What the Study Found
To arrive at these conclusions, researchers at the University of Leipzig Medical Center studied the potential impact of a high-dose dietary prebiotic supplement on the brain’s response to popular high-calorie foods. Their exploration focused on a group of 59 participants that included young to middle-aged adults who were overweight and followed a standard omnivorous Western diet.
For 14 consecutive days, the participants consumed a daily dose of 30 grams ofinulin, a prebiotic fiber derived from chicory root. During these two weeks, the researchers used functional MRI imaging while showing participants images of popular high-calorie dishes (hamburgers were shown in a graphic within the published study). Then, they asked them to rate their desire to consume the depicted meals.
To gain a deeper understanding, the research team took fasting blood samples from participants that they analyzed for gastrointestinal hormones, glucose, lipids and inflammatory markers. Stool samples were also examined to learn more about the gut microbiota and their metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids. The study was conducted within the framework of the Collaborative Research Centre 1052, “Obesity Mechanisms”.
These findings suggest that functional microbial changes in the gut may drive the brain’s altered response to cues from high-calorie foods. “The results suggest a potential link between gut health and brain function, in this case food decision-making," saidPD Dr. Veronica Witte, study co-author and a scientist at the University of Leipzig Medical Center, in astatement.
The Bottom Line
In a recent study published in theBMJ, scientists at the University of Leipzig Medical Center in Germany explored the connection between gut health and brain function. This research revealed the powerful impact of prebiotic fibers in foods like onions, leeks, artichokes and chicory root, suggesting that they can help nourish your gut while enhancing your brain function. The study’s participants included young to middle-aged adults with weight concerns who consumed a daily dose of 30 grams of inulin, a prebiotic fiber. The findings demonstrated that prebiotics can influence the brain’s response to high-calorie foods. These findings highlight the intriguing relationship between the gut microbiome and food-related decision-making, but more research is needed to help clarify their findings among a broader and more diverse participant pool. That said, there are manyscience-backed health benefits of fiberthat might also compel you to up your intake.
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