As is often the case when researching and writing an article, once the article is completed and published, I find more information that I feel should have been included in the original. Such was the case with my recent multipart article on the microbiome. (Link for Part I or Part II.)
So, as long as you are not tired of hearing about the intestinal flora and its importance to our overall health, here is some more information to add to your now vast knowledge on the subject. Even if you ARE overwhelmed with information on the subject, please think about this article’s tandem topic: cognitive function and cognitive decline.
YOUR BRAIN NEEDS YOU TO EAT RIGHT
I touched on the relationship between the intestinal microbiome and neurologic function in my last article. However, on a larger scale, brain function can also be adversely affected by an imbalance in the forms of micro-organisms in our gut. This is called by dysbiosis. This dysbiosis is communicated to the brain through a direct nerve connection via the vagus nerve.
This interrelationship is referred to as the “gut-brain axis.” It is essentially a pathway from the gut to the brain. Chronic, ongoing stress can lead the body to respond in a way that chronically elevates cortisol levels. Stress also causes other inflammatory substances to be released and accumulate. This allows for the breakdown of what is called the “blood brain barrier.” The barrier is designed to prevent certain toxic substances and other inflammation-producing substances (including certain pathogens) from entering the brain, and when it breaks down, those materials are allowed to pass through.
Some recently published research performed at Baycrest Health Sciences in Toronto, Canada explored the possible relationship between dietary changes and enhancement of both the gut microbiome and brain health. While these were rodent studies, the results give us starting points for human ones. The one strong takeaway from these studies was that high sugar diets and diets consisting mainly of processed foods damaged the gut microbiome and concurrently adversely affected short term memory.
BENEFICIAL ACTION
Meanwhile, the substances that consistently benefited the gut microbiome and brain health were Omega-3 fatty acids and compounds called polyphenols derived from sesame oil. However, by far, the most beneficial to the support of the gut microbiome and cognitive function were high fiber diets.
In another study–the only whole dietary intervention study done on humans–demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet did an exceptional job of both creating positive changes in the microbiome, significantly improving memory and cognition compared to those individuals in the control group.
In other studies, which were also performed on rodents, the findings indicate that exercise enhances both the gut microbiome and brain health too. The researchers published this study in The Journals of Gerontology in August. They noted that, “Little is known about how exercise intensity influences the gut-brain axis, and thus is an important endeavor for future research.”
LEARN MORE
As you can see from what we have covered in our last several installments the Eat Right, Think Right, Move Right, Sleep Right philosophy that we espouse is definitely spot on as far as living a longer healthier life.
Please consider further hands-on education in this regard by registering for our Cleanse Preview. Those who attend the Preview will receive a discount if you choose to join us for our “Spring Cleaning Cleanse Event in April. For those of you who have already been through one of our Cleanse Classes but feel that you need a refresher, you will receive a 10% discount if you join us in April.