"Experts Reveal the Surprising Link Between Digestive Health and Brain Function"
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding processed foods and sugar can help promote a healthy gut microbiome, and in turn, better brain health. Further research is needed to fully understand the link between digestive and brain health, but these findings suggest that taking care of your gut could be an important step in preventing cognitive decline.
Exactly, there is increasing evidence that the gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in brain health and cognitive decline. The microbiome, or the community of microorganisms in your gut, can affect the production of neurotransmitters, inflammation levels, and even contribute to the formation of plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. This underscores the importance of taking a holistic approach to brain health, which includes not only mental stimulation but also physical exercise, a healthy diet, and good gut health. By promoting a diverse and healthy microbiome, we may be able to protect our brains as we age.
That statement highlights the importance of understanding how different systems in our body work together and how any dysfunction in one system can have far-reaching consequences. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to healthcare that considers all aspects of an individual's health and well-being. Identifying and addressing the root cause of any dysfunction can prevent or limit the negative impacts on the rest of the body.
“Our body systems are all interconnected,” Heather M. Snyder, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, said in a news release. “When one system is malfunctioning, it impacts other systems. When that dysfunction isn’t addressed, it can create a waterfall of consequences for the rest of the body.”
The study included over 3,000 participants aged 50 and above who were followed up for seven years. The researchers found that those who reported persistent constipation had a 44% higher likelihood of developing dementia than those who did not report any constipation. The study also found that the longer the duration of constipation, the greater the risk of developing dementia. The researchers believe that the link between constipation and dementia may be due to inflammation and other factors that affect the brain. They suggest that early intervention to treat constipation may help prevent cognitive decline in older adults.
The studies, led by Xiang Gao, assistant professor of nutritional sciences at the Pennsylvania State University, included participants aged 50 and above who underwent cognitive assessments and reported their bowel habits. The researchers found that those who reported having less frequent bowel movements had lower cognitive scores, including lower scores in tests of memory and attention. The studies also found that people who had a slower stool transit time, meaning it took longer for their stool to move through the digestive system, had worse cognitive function compared to those with a faster transit time. The researchers believe that constipation and slower stool transit time may lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, which can affect the brain and cognitive function. They suggest that maintaining regular bowel habits may help preserve cognitive function in older adults.
Ma says the researchers also found that bowel movement frequency was “tightly linked to the gut microbiome,” or the community of bacteria and other microbes living in the digestive system that aid with digestion and other important functions throughout the body. Levels of specific types of microbes — for example, fewer bacteria responsible for digesting fiber and fewer bacteria that produce a substance known as butyrate, which is a fuel source for gut cells — were associated with worsening.
As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 16% of adults in the United States experience constipation. This percentage more than doubles when it comes to adults aged 60 and older. Constipation can be caused by a number of age-related factors, such as medication side effects, dehydration, and decreased physical activity. To put it simply, movement helps to get things moving.
Although the brain and the gut may seem far apart, recent research indicates that they are connected and in constant communication. This means that what happens in one can affect the other. According to Maria C. Carrillo, chief science officer for the Alzheimer's Association, "Anything that helps us remove toxins from our body is very important." Urine and stool are included in this category, so it all makes sense.
If you are experiencing frequent constipation, it's important to speak with your doctor. A small change in your diet or medication regimen could help alleviate the issue. It's crucial to keep an eye out for symptoms of abnormal intestinal function, particularly constipation, in older individuals. These symptoms may indicate a higher risk of cognitive decline in the gut disease?ure.
Can gut bacteria affect your risk for Alzheimer’s disease?
Presented at the conference on July 19, another study revealed a connection between low levels of certain gut bacteria and elevated levels of the proteins amyloid and tau, which are defining features of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio examined fecal samples and cognitive measures from 140 middle-aged individuals from the Framingham Heart Study. They discovered that lower levels of the bacteria Butyricicoccus and Ruminococcus, and higher levels of the bacteria Cytophaga and Alistipes, were linked to higher levels of amyloid and tau, which were detected by brain scans. The findings suggest that the buildups of Alzheimer's biomarkers amyloid and tau in middle-aged, cognitively healthy individuals are "associated with changes in the gut microbiome structure and function," according to lead researcher Yannick Wadop. Wadop also added that "manipulating or monitoring the abundance of bacteria with neuroprotective effects could contribute to Alzheimer's risk reduction." More research is needed to better understand the connection between the microbiome and the brain. In the meantime, individuals can take a few steps to keep the community of microbes in their gut healthy and happy.
The Mayo Clinic states that diets high in fast food, sugar, processed foods, and alcohol can decrease gut health. Instead, it is recommended to consume high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which are also associated with better brain health, according to a report on nutrition and brain health from AARP's Global Council on Brain Health. Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt with live cultures, are also good for the gut.
"Everything that happens to our body below the neck is very closely tied to what happens in our brain," says Dr. Maria Carrillo, Chief Science Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. Taking a more holistic approach to our overall health is key.
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