Healthy Gut Flora Connected to Better Brain Function

Research is constantly finding new connections between our digestive system, the “good” bacteria living there and overall health but a recent study also connects the gut with brain function.  By maintaining healthy bacteria through a diet rich in probiotics found in certain yogurts, researchers at UCLA found that areas of the brain associated with cognition showed greater connectivity with the brain stem region.

Probiotics can be found in live-culture yogurt and kefir (a fermented milk liquid) as well as kombucha tea (fermented black tea), kimchi (Korean fermented vegetables), sauerkraut (the real fermented kind) and brined pickles (which need to be refrigerated).

It has long been known that the brain sends signals to the gut;  that is why we get butterflies or a “sinking feeling” and other gastrointestinal symptoms from anxiety or stress.  But now research is proving that the road travels both directions. With further study, dietary changes could be used to help treat chronic conditions including Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and Autism and improve brain function.

To learn more about the UCLA study use the following link: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/Changing-gut-bacteria-through-diet-affects-brain-function .