Scientists have made a significant breakthrough that may help deal with the ongoing challenge of obesity. They have discovered that intermittent calorie restriction can cause significant changes in the gut and the brain, which may open up new ways for healthy weight management.

Chinese researchers conducted an intermittent energy restriction (IER) programme, which involves controlled calorie intake and fasting on some days. It involved observing 25 obese volunteers for 62 days.

The participants reportedly lost about 7.6 kilogrammes, 7.8 per cent of their body weight. A shift in brain activity in obesity-related regions and the formation of gut bacteria were also observed.

"Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis," said Qiang Zeng, a health researcher from the Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases in China, according to Science Alert. The study was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology in December 2023.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/are-potatoes-not-unhealthy-new-research-reveals-they-may-work-magic-for-heart-health-749139">Are potatoes not unhealthy? New research reveals they may work magic for heart health</a>

"The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addiction-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time."

While it is unclear what resulted in these changes, knowing that the gut and brain are closely related can help in controlling food intake by treating specific regions of the brain.

Through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, changes were observed in the brain regions that regulate appetite and addiction, along with the inferior frontal orbital gyrus. Gut microbiome changes linked to similar brain activity were also noticed by analysing blood and stool samples.

"The gut microbiome is thought to communicate with the brain in a complex, two-directional way," said Xiaoning Wang, medical scientist from the State Clinic Center for Geriatrics, China.

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"The microbiome produces neurotransmitters and neurotoxins, which access the brain through nerves and the blood circulation. In return, the brain controls eating behaviour, while nutrients from our diet change the composition of the gut microbiome."

Over a billion people globally are known to suffer from obesity, which is a major contributor to the risk of other serious health issues, including heart disease and cancer. Understanding how the brain and gut function together can bring about remarkable change in treating and preventing obesity.

"The next question to be answered is the precise mechanism by which the gut microbiome and the brain communicate in obese people, including during weight loss," said Liming Wang, a biomedical scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"What specific gut microbiome and brain regions are critical for successful weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight?"

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough that may help deal with the ongoing challenge of obesity. They have discovered that intermittent calorie restriction can cause significant changes in the gut and the brain, which may open up new ways for healthy weight management.

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough that may help deal with the ongoing challenge of obesity. They have discovered that intermittent calorie restriction can cause significant changes in the gut and the brain, which may open up new ways for healthy weight management. Chinese researchers conducted an intermittent energy restriction (IER) programme, which involves controlled calorie intake and fasting on some days. It involved observing 25 obese volunteers for 62 days. The participants reportedly lost about 7.6 kilogrammes, 7.8 per cent of their body weight. A shift in brain activity in obesity-related regions and the formation of gut bacteria were also observed. "Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis," said Qiang Zeng, a health researcher from the Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases in China, according to Science Alert. The study was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology in December 2023. Also read | Are potatoes not unhealthy? New research reveals they may work magic for heart health "The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addiction-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time." While it is unclear what resulted in these changes, knowing that the gut and brain are closely related can help in controlling food intake by treating specific regions of the brain. Through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, changes were observed in the brain regions that regulate appetite and addiction, along with the inferior frontal orbital gyrus. Gut microbiome changes linked to similar brain activity were also noticed by analysing blood and stool samples. "The gut microbiome is thought to communicate with the brain in a complex, two-directional way," said Xiaoning Wang, medical scientist from the State Clinic Center for Geriatrics, China. Also read | Deadly microbes may breed in THIS common home appliance. Here's all you need to know "The microbiome produces neurotransmitters and neurotoxins, which access the brain through nerves and the blood circulation. In return, the brain controls eating behaviour, while nutrients from our diet change the composition of the gut microbiome." Over a billion people globally are known to suffer from obesity, which is a major contributor to the risk of other serious health issues, including heart disease and cancer. Understanding how the brain and gut function together can bring about remarkable change in treating and preventing obesity. "The next question to be answered is the precise mechanism by which the gut microbiome and the brain communicate in obese people, including during weight loss," said Liming Wang, a biomedical scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "What specific gut microbiome and brain regions are critical for successful weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight?" (With inputs from agencies)

In breakthrough discovery, Chinese scientists find new way to control obesity

Scientists are cautioning that nisin, a widely used food preservative, could be compromising gut health, potentially affecting the delicate balance of our microbiome.

Nisin, an antimicrobial preservative found in various food products like beer, cheese, and dipping sauces, is made by bacteria to combat microbial competition. Termed "lantibiotics" due to their composition of bacteria-derived lantipeptides, these compounds, effective in preventing food-related diseases, may be inadvertently harming beneficial gut microbes.

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Zhenrun "Jerry" Zhang, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Chicago, brought focus on the lack of comprehensive studies on how Nisin impacts our gut microbiome. Despite its success in averting food contamination, concerns arise regarding its potential repercussions on human gut health.

The study was published in the journal ACS Chemical Biology.

<h2>'Good' bacteria are important for gut health</h2>

The gut microbiome, comprising essential "good" bacteria, plays a pivotal role in digestion, immunity, and mental well-being.

Eradicating these beneficial microbes may lead to severe consequences for overall health, creating an opportunity for harmful bacteria to flourish without competition.

<h2>What did Zhang and colleagues find?</h2>

Zhang and colleagues isolated gut-derived lantibiotics, revealing their impact on both disease-causing and beneficial gut bacteria. Surprisingly, the "good" gut microbes proved as susceptible to lantibiotics as the pathogens causing diseases, suggesting potential risks to gut health.

Also watch |&nbsp;The Good Life: What is that 'Gut Feeling'

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Zhang explained, "[Our] study is one of the first to show that gut commensals are susceptible to lantibiotics, and are sometimes more sensitive than pathogens. With the levels of lantibiotics currently present in food, it's very probable that they might impact our gut health as well."

This research builds upon earlier studies linking nisin consumption to alterations in the gut microbiome.&nbsp;

Earlier, a study from Ireland's University College Cork, published in Nature Scientific Reports, found that even low concentrations of nisin can traverse the gastrointestinal tract, modifying the gut microbiome in the lower intestine.&nbsp;

But these changes were found to be reversible, with normal microbiome populations returning within three days of nisin consumption.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists are cautioning that nisin, a widely used food preservative, could be compromising gut health, potentially affecting the delicate balance of our microbiome.

Scientists are cautioning that nisin, a widely used food preservative, could be compromising gut health, potentially affecting the delicate balance of our microbiome. Nisin, an antimicrobial preservative found in various food products like beer, cheese, and dipping sauces, is made by bacteria to combat microbial competition. Termed "lantibiotics" due to their composition of bacteria-derived lantipeptides, these compounds, effective in preventing food-related diseases, may be inadvertently harming beneficial gut microbes. Also read | 5 Ways to Improve Gut Health Zhenrun "Jerry" Zhang, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Chicago, brought focus on the lack of comprehensive studies on how Nisin impacts our gut microbiome. Despite its success in averting food contamination, concerns arise regarding its potential repercussions on human gut health. The study was published in the journal ACS Chemical Biology. 'Good' bacteria are important for gut health The gut microbiome, comprising essential "good" bacteria, plays a pivotal role in digestion, immunity, and mental well-being. Eradicating these beneficial microbes may lead to severe consequences for overall health, creating an opportunity for harmful bacteria to flourish without competition. What did Zhang and colleagues find? Zhang and colleagues isolated gut-derived lantibiotics, revealing their impact on both disease-causing and beneficial gut bacteria. Surprisingly, the "good" gut microbes proved as susceptible to lantibiotics as the pathogens causing diseases, suggesting potential risks to gut health. Also watch | The Good Life: What is that 'Gut Feeling' × Zhang explained, "[Our] study is one of the first to show that gut commensals are susceptible to lantibiotics, and are sometimes more sensitive than pathogens. With the levels of lantibiotics currently present in food, it's very probable that they might impact our gut health as well." This research builds upon earlier studies linking nisin consumption to alterations in the gut microbiome. Earlier, a study from Ireland's University College Cork, published in Nature Scientific Reports, found that even low concentrations of nisin can traverse the gastrointestinal tract, modifying the gut microbiome in the lower intestine. But these changes were found to be reversible, with normal microbiome populations returning within three days of nisin consumption. (With inputs from agencies)

This common food preservative may be bad for your gut health

Scientists addressing the global obesity crisis have unearthed a significant breakthrough—intermittent fasting induces profound positive changes in both the gut and the brain.&nbsp;

In a comprehensive 62-day study, Chinese researchers closely examined 25 obese volunteers, implementing an intermittent energy restriction (IER) programme. This programme, involving meticulous control of calorie intake and periodic fasting, revealed compelling results.

<h2>Noteworthy weight loss and dynamic brain-gut-microbiome axis</h2>

Participants in the study not only shed an average of 7.6 kgs (16.8 pounds), equivalent to 7.8 per cent of their body weight, but also showcased alterations in both brain activity and gut microbiota composition.

"Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis," said&nbsp;health researcher Qiang Zeng from the Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases in China, who spoke to ScienceAlert.&nbsp;

"The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addiction-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/intermittent-fasting-demonstrates-potential-in-slowing-down-alzheimers-progression-study-630156">Also read |&nbsp;Intermittent fasting shows potential in slowing down Alzheimer's progression: Study</a>

While the exact cause of these changes remains unknown, the connection between the gut and the brain is undeniable.&nbsp;

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans showed changes in crucial brain regions associated with appetite regulation and addiction.

Notably, the inferior frontal orbital gyrus showed altered activity, providing insights into the brain's role in weight management.

Analysis of stool samples and blood measurements pinpointed changes in the gut microbiome linked to distinct brain regions.

Certain bacteria, such as Coprococcus and Eubacterium hallii, exhibited associations with the left inferior frontal orbital gyrus, influencing executive functions like willpower in food intake.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How effective is intermittent fasting?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-effective-is-intermittent-fasting-555295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With over a billion people worldwide grappling with obesity-related health risks, understanding the intricate relationship between the brain and gut becomes paramount for effective prevention and reduction.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists addressing the global obesity crisis have unearthed a significant breakthrough—intermittent fasting induces profound positive changes in both the gut and the brain.

Scientists addressing the global obesity crisis have unearthed a significant breakthrough—intermittent fasting induces profound positive changes in both the gut and the brain. In a comprehensive 62-day study, Chinese researchers closely examined 25 obese volunteers, implementing an intermittent energy restriction (IER) programme. This programme, involving meticulous control of calorie intake and periodic fasting, revealed compelling results. Noteworthy weight loss and dynamic brain-gut-microbiome axis Participants in the study not only shed an average of 7.6 kgs (16.8 pounds), equivalent to 7.8 per cent of their body weight, but also showcased alterations in both brain activity and gut microbiota composition. "Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis," said health researcher Qiang Zeng from the Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases in China, who spoke to ScienceAlert. "The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addiction-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time," he added. Also read | Intermittent fasting shows potential in slowing down Alzheimer's progression: Study While the exact cause of these changes remains unknown, the connection between the gut and the brain is undeniable. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans showed changes in crucial brain regions associated with appetite regulation and addiction. Notably, the inferior frontal orbital gyrus showed altered activity, providing insights into the brain's role in weight management. Analysis of stool samples and blood measurements pinpointed changes in the gut microbiome linked to distinct brain regions. Certain bacteria, such as Coprococcus and Eubacterium hallii, exhibited associations with the left inferior frontal orbital gyrus, influencing executive functions like willpower in food intake. Also watch | Gravitas: How effective is intermittent fasting? With over a billion people worldwide grappling with obesity-related health risks, understanding the intricate relationship between the brain and gut becomes paramount for effective prevention and reduction. (With inputs from agencies)

Intermittent fasting leads to healthy changes in brain and gut, says research

A new study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology claims that irritable bowel syndrome is triggered by our body's inability to manage gravity. It also shows the linkage between our nervous system and gravity pull.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Gravity may cause IBS symptoms

How are you feeling, how's your gut- Ever needed to rush to the washroom before a big exam? Ever experience stage fright before a big performance or butterflies in the stomach perhaps, it's all about your gut- what it says, what it feels how it acts.

The Good Life: What is that 'Gut Feeling'?

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