Your gut – not your spare tire, but your digestive tract – is deceptively smart. Not only does it handle processing food and nutrients, but the hundreds of trillions of bacteria that live in your gut may actually be telling your brain what to do too. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The hosts of the podcast mention their book and board game for Christmas that covers practical topics like saving money and battling money anxiety.
This podcast explores the emerging field of gut-brain microbiome research, discussing the potential for two-way communication between the gut and the brain.
The bacteria in our gut communicates with the brain through the Vegas nerve and affects our behavior, even causing us to stop what we're doing in response to a threat.
Short-chain fatty acids can stimulate the vagus nerve, which triggers the production of neurotransmitters. They can also impact the brain by traveling through the circulatory system.
Gut bacteria produce serotonin, vitamins, and neurotransmitters that the human body needs but cannot produce on its own. The microbiome's two million genes far outnumber the human genome's 20,000 genes and play vital roles in our physical and mental well-being.
Researchers found that by shocking monkeys with loud noises, the pregnant mama monkeys had lower levels of beneficial bacteria in their gut microbiomes which can affect the production of serotonin and dopamine.
Studies have shown that leaky gut may be an indication of an autism diagnosis later in life. Additionally, probiotics and fecal transplants may be used as an alternative to pharmaceuticals when treating conditions like autism and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have found a correlation between mothers who had prolonged fever during pregnancy and increased likelihood of giving birth to a baby with symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. This correlation can be traced back to the gut's ability to trigger the immune system, specifically activated by a gut microbe called segmented filamentous bacteria.
Integrative medicine focuses on adjusting diet for better health outcomes, and in the case of autism, a theory suggests that a depleted gut with missing bacteria may play a role. Studies with germ-free mice also show a correlation between gut microbes and anxiety behavior.
The microbiome plays an important role in our socialization. Through the research of Dr. Mayer, it has been discovered that a healthy gut can lead to a healthy social life.
This podcast episode explores the relationship between our brains and experiences, diving into the possibility of creating new senses for humans.