Feeding fibre to gut bacteria can cut stress

IT IS well known that there is a link between our gut and brain, but now researchers have found eating more fibre can help relieve gut health problems induced by stress, which can help heal a “leaky” gut.

Previous studies have found high levels of stress can affect gut bacteria in a way similar to the way a high-fat diet does. Other studies have shown that reducing the number of bacteria in the gut can induce stress.

However, scientists from APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork and Teagasc Food Research Centre in Ireland wanted to investigate further to see how short-chain fatty acids influence physical, stress-related gut damage.

Gut bacteria produce SCFAs when they digest fibre and then the cells of the colon use the SCFAs as a primary source of energy – making them vital for good gut health.

When the researchers introduced SCFAs to the guts of mice, they found stress and anxiety-based behaviours were significantly reduced. This in turn meant gut leakiness caused by persistent stress was reduced, too.

The team concluded that a high-fibre diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and grains might prompt gut bacteria to produce more SCFAs, therefore, strengthening the gut’s natural defences against the damage caused by stress, and limiting the chance of developing a “leaky” gut.

While further studies are needed, the researchers still consider increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables is likely to be a sensible recommendation. www.bodyandsoul.com.au