Gut health and its influence on key organs
Emerging science reveals remarkable interactions between the gut, brain and other organs. The colon does far more than aid digestion and waste elimination – it also plays key roles in immune function, metabolic health, hormone production and many more. Our gut microbiota, a community of trillions of microbes, is located in the gut and has a profound effect on overall health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy microbiota is essential and prebiotics, like chicory root fibers, can support this balance as studies have shown.
The gut-brain connection: A new frontier
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and mental health challenges are widespread. Many people are aware of the link between gut health and mood, often noticing that digestive health impacts their mental state and stress levels. This is a scientific discovery known as the gut-brain axis. The gut and brain communicate through shared nerve pathways and signaling molecules. Gut microorganisms produce metabolites that can act as signals on nerve, immune or hormone cells, which can influence brain function. This dynamic interaction is a promising area of research, especially in understanding how gut health can influence mood and cognition.
Prebiotics for mood and cognition: New insights
Research shows that prebiotic fibers, such as oligofructose from chicory root, can positively impact mood via the gut-brain axis. In a randomized controlled trial, working adults with mild to moderate feelings of anxiety and depression who consumed 8 g of oligofructose per day had higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria, including bifidobacteria compared to control. They also reported improved mood, with lower anxiety and depression scores, along with reduced cortisol levels – the body’s primary stress hormone. The study found a clear correlation: higher levels of beneficial bifidobacteria in the gut were associated with reduced feelings of anxiety and depression as well as cortisol levels.
Looking ahead: The expanding role of prebiotics
Prebiotic chicory root fiber offers a range of health benefits beyond digestion, supporting overall well-being and quality of life. As research into prebiotics continues, we can expect further insights into fascinating areas like mood and cognition, inflammation, metabolic health and other connections. Stay tuned for more developments in prebiotic science.
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References
Jackson P, Wijeyesekera A, Williams CM et al. (2023) Inulin-type fructans and 2’fucosyllactose alter both microbial composition and appear to alleviate stress-induced mood state in a working population compared to placebo (maltodextrin): the EFFICAD Trial, a randomized, controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 118(5):938–955. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10636234/pdf/
Leyrolle Q, Cserjesi R, Mulders M et al. (2021) Prebiotic effect on mood in obese patients is determined by the initial gut microbiota composition: A randomized, controlled trial. Brain Behav Immun 94: 289–298. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33515740/