Inside our bodies, there are trillions of bacterial cells that even outnumber our own human cells. It’s not surprising that these cells have a significant impact on our daily lives, especially when they need nourishment. French researchers at the University of Rouen have theorized that bacteria inside our guts make hormones that influence our behavior, making us feel hungry when they need to eat.
Gut bacteria communicating through hormones
Gut microbiota, the bacteria present in our intestines, can sense the nutrients consumed by their hosts and their hosts’ state as signaled by various hormones. This communication goes both ways: Bacteria generate compounds used for signaling within the human system, such as neurotransmitters and amino acids. Some of these compounds include GABA, tyrosine, and tryptophan, which are essential in the production of dopamine and serotonin – crucial mood-determining molecules.
Researchers believe that when gut bacteria need food, they may give off chemical signals that tell our bodies to feel hungry. This phenomenon could explain why we sometimes feel hungry despite having recently eaten – a frustrating experience that many of us struggle with daily.
Gut bacteria influencing food choices
Besides making us feel hungry, researchers also plan to study whether the bacteria in our gut influence our choice of food. This topic is particularly interesting considering that the composition of our gut bacteria can significantly affect our overall health, weight, and risk for many chronic diseases. It’s known that our diet plays a significant role in shaping our gut microbiota, but the question remains: Do our gut bacteria also play a role in shaping our diet preferences?
Studies have shown that gut bacteria ferment indigestible fibers and produce short-chain fatty acids. These compounds help modulate our appetite by increasing the production of hormones involved in regulating satiety. However, further research is needed to determine how much our gut bacteria’s signaling affects our food choices and eating behavior.
Efforts of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome
While research is still ongoing, there are ways we can work on maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. A diverse diet with various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote the growth and balance of beneficial gut bacteria. Consuming fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha, which contain probiotics, can also help.
On the other hand, avoiding or limiting the consumption of processed and high-sugar foods can prevent the growth of harmful gut bacteria. Staying physically active, getting a good night’s sleep, and managing stress are also essential factors in maintaining gut health.
Final thoughts
There’s still much to learn about how gut bacteria communicate with our bodies and influence our behavior. The notion that this symbiotic relationship led us to feel hunger and crave specific foods opens up a world of possibility for understanding how our gut health affects our overall well-being.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of various diets and interventions on weight loss and other health outcomes may be influenced by the individual’s gut microbiota composition. If researchers can identify bacteria that promote healthy eating behaviors and suppress appetite, this could lead to potential probiotic interventions or targeted dietary recommendations that help people achieve optimal health.
For now, focusing on maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced, diverse diet and a healthy lifestyle is our best bet. But as research continues to uncover the secrets of our gut bacteria, the importance of taking care of our gut health cannot be overstated. However, remember that it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, before making any significant changes to your diet.
