Wellness Exchange: Health Discussions
"New Fasting Diet Alters Brain and Gut Health"
[MUSIC] Welcome to Quick News, this is Ted. The news was published on Thursday, November 21st. I'm excited to introduce our guests today, Eric and Kate. Let's dive into the findings regarding the fasting style diet and its impact on the brain and gut, as discussed in the recent news article. >> Absolutely, Ted, the study conducted on 25 obese volunteers over 62 days showed that intermittent calorie restriction led to a 7.8% body weight reduction on average. >> Yes, but let's not forget that while they lost 7.6 kilograms, the study also indicated changes in brain regions linked to appetite and addiction. >> The changes were observed via fMRI scans, particularly in the inferior frontal orbital gyrus, which is crucial for regulating appetite. >> And these regions are highly dynamic and coupled with the gut microbiome changes. The interaction between the brain and gut microbiome is a complex two way street. >> Could you both explain what the gut microbiome and inferior frontal orbital gyrus mean in layman terms? >> The gut microbiome refers to the vast community of bacteria in our intestines that influences many bodily functions, including digestion. >> Meanwhile, the inferior frontal orbital gyrus is a part of the brain involved in decision making and controlling impulses. Essential for our food intake regulation. >> These dynamic changes indicate that treating specific brain regions might help in controlling food consumption. >> Yes, but there's uncertainty regarding whether it's the gut influencing the brain or the other way around, prompting further research. >> What exact results did the participants exhibit regarding gut microbiome? >> There was a notable shift with bacteria like Copra caucus comes and eubacterium halii being negatively associated with brain activity in the areas related to executive function and willpower over food. This two directional communication involves neurotransmitters and neurotoxins produced by the microbiome affecting brain functions. >> This isn't the first time diet related brain and gut changes have been studied. How does this compare to the famous Minnesota starvation experiment? >> The Minnesota experiment during W2E2 had volunteers on a semi starvation diet showing psychological and physical changes like depression and obsession with food. >> But unlike the Minnesota experiment, this study focuses on intermittent fasting and shows positive brain and gut changes rather than detrimental effects. >> Exactly. The Minnesota experiment was extreme and had negative outcomes. Whereas intermittent fasting has shown promising weight reduction and brain engagement without severe side effects. >> The starvation study did highlight the profound impact of diet on mental health, similar to how this current study shows diet impacting brain regions. >> Were there long term behavior changes noted post experiment in Minnesota study? >> Yes, many participants reported long lasting changes in their relationship with food, indicating the strong influence of dietary habits. >> However, the intermittent fasting studies results are relatively short term. And we need to ascertain the long term sustainability of such diets. >> Can we draw any direct links or lessons from the Minnesota study for current obesity treatments? >> The key takeaway is monitoring psychological impacts, ensuring that weight loss methods don't negatively affect mental health. >> And emphasizing sustainable and healthy dietary habits rather than extreme measures. Using insights from both studies to achieve balanced approaches. >> Looking forward, what are the two potential paths our understanding of intermittent fasting and brain gut interaction might take? >> One path involves leveraging this diet to develop targeted medications or treatments that influence the brain regions related to appetite and addiction, aiding weight loss. Or on the other hand, promoting widespread adoption of intermittent fasting as a public health policy to tackle obesity globally and reduce related health risks. >> Medications could offer personalized treatments, especially for those unable to adhere to strict dieting. >> Yet promoting intermittent fasting could lead to a broader, more preventive measure against obesity, benefiting populations at large. >> What would be the challenges associated with each approach? For targeted medications, the challenge lies in understanding the exact mechanisms and ensuring safety and efficacy through comprehensive trials. >> Whereas public health policies promoting fasting would face cultural, societal, and behavioral barriers, needing extensive education and support systems. >> The success of medications could revolutionize obesity treatment by offering precise solutions. >> Conversely, public policy and lifestyle changes through intermittent fasting would need consistent public engagement and support. >> Could both paths coexist offering individualized solutions and broad preventive measures? >> They could integrating tailored treatments with general public health strategies to maximize obesity prevention and control. >> Agreed. Combining personalized medicine with public health initiatives could provide comprehensive obesity reduction strategies. >> Well, that wraps up our discussion. Thank you, Eric and Kate for joining us. and thanks everyone for tuning in to Quick News. Catch you next time.