- Intestinal microbes significantly influence energy production and use of energy in primates, with larger-brain and primates with microbiota that promote energy consumption, while the microbiota is of smaller primates for the preference of energy storage
- Fatty acids with short chains, such as acetate and propionate, are crucial in creating energy and reducing fat storage, which provides energy for brain growth
- Research shows that intestinal microbes played a crucial role in the evolution of larger brains in people by optimizing the energy allocation to meet the high demands of the brain
- The intestinal brain connection is central to understanding how energy is allocated in primates, whereby the composition of the intestinal microbiota varies between species, which affects the metabolic properties of each species
- Supporting your intestinal microbiome is essential for the right brain function. Strategies such as replacing processed foods with healthy carbohydrate and practicing good breathing techniques will form a strong basis for probiotics to flourish
Intestinal microbes are fascinating entities that play a crucial role in how energy is produced and used in our body. These small organisms produce fatty acids with short chains (SCFAs), which are crucial in influencing our metabolic function.
SCFAs such as acetate and propionate, for example, have a significant impact on the production of glucose and fat storage. They are not only passive bystanders – they actively form the metabolic processes of their host. But have you ever wondered how the intestinal microbioma works for our primary companions?
Interestingly, every primary type shows variations in its composition of the intestinal microbiota, which play an important role in supporting their brain evolution. For example, larger-brain primates have intestinal microbiota that promotes energy consumption, while smaller primates have microbiota that benefits the energy storage. This variation in the composition of the intestinal microbiota is a key factor to understand how energy is assigned in primates.1
The underlying metabolic differences in the microbiota of each species are rooted in their respective skills to produce SCFAs produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber and carbohydrates. Once synthesized, they influence various metabolic processes, including appetite regulation, vetsynthesis and glucose metabolism. By modulating these processes, SCFAs help determine whether energy is used for immediate needs or stored for future use.
A look at the Primates intestinal microbiota
A study published in Microbial Genomics investigated how intestinal microbiota influences their metabolism on different primal species. In particular, the researchers focused on the relationship between brain size and energy requirements.2 The study used germ-free mice that were inoculated with intestinal microbiota of three primary lakes, squirrel monkeys and people.
The three primates were selected on the basis of their relative brain sizes and various metabolic properties, which offers a comparative framework to investigate how each intestinal microbiota influences the metabolism of the host. The researchers have shown that “the prima-gauge microbiota contributes to inter-specific differences in gastheermetabolism” and that the microbiota “of larger-brain and primates gastheermetabolism is shifting to energy consumption and production.”3
The findings show that microbiota of larger-brain and paving primates show significant metabolic differences. In particular, the researchers noticed that “high-eq (enceification quotient) primates-innoculated mice had considerably lower percentage of body fat” and “seemed to have increased energy production.”4
Additional tests shows increased sober blood glucose levels and changed liver enzyme concentrations, which indicates a shift for improved energy consumption. There was also a remarkable increase in triglycerides and a decrease in cholesterol levels among the test subjects.5
The study identified SCFAs, in particular acetate and propionate, as important metabolites produced in larger concentrations by the intestinal microbiota of high-eq primaten. “The GMS (intestinal microbiota) of high-eq primaten produce increased concentrations of SCFAs, in particular acetate and propionate,” that play a crucial role in supporting energy metabolism.6
Propionate is, for example, important for optimum brain function in people. As noted by the editors of Frontiers in aging neuroscience:7
“It plays an important role in maintaining the health and the good functioning of the brain and in protecting neuro inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases (NDD), such as Alzheimer’s disease. These roles of propionate may be mediated by endocrine, immune, vagal and humoral routes …
In addition to the microbiota, other potential propionate sources include the diet, using it as a food conservant and in medical treatments, such as valproic acid. Propionate and propionate reinforcement of pre/probiotics, diet and faecal transplantation can be effective treatments for NDD, but measures must also be taken to prevent propionate toxicity. “
The role of SCFAs in energy production
From a mechanistic point of view, the increased production of acetate and propionate through the intestinal microbiota influences the expression of the liver expression, which leads to improved energy production and use. In the words of the researchers, “these metabolic differences in the host are associated with changes in liver expression”, indicating a direct link between microbial activity and metabolic paths of the host.8
In addition, SCFAs cross the blood-brain barrier and function as an immediate energy source for the brain or as signal molecules that regulate metabolic processes.9
The study also noted that “mice with the GMs of the two distant-related primal species with relatively high-eq had a metabolic phenotype that was consistent with higher use and production of host.” This means that the intestinal microbiota not only influences the fat storage, but also improves the power of the body to generate and use energy more efficiently.10
Consequently, “with high-eq primate-invited mice increased blood concentrations from Alp and Alt”, which are enzymes related to the liver function, which further support the metabolic shifts that are induced by the microbiota.11
In addition, the research emphasized that “the glucose produced via this route can be a valuable energy source for the brain”, with the emphasis on the importance of intestinal-ridiculous metabolites in supporting the brain function.12
By promoting an environment in which energy is immediately available, the intestinal microbiota facilitates the maintenance and development of larger brain in primates. This symbiotic relationship underlines the crucial role of intestinal microbes in evolutionary adjustments related to brain size and cognitive skills.13
Four ways to support optimum health of the intestinal brain
As shown in the published research, your intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in brain function and energy metabolism. By optimizing your intestinal health, you can improve your cognitive function and overall well -being. Here are four practical steps to feed this connection:
1.Need useful bacteria with healthy carbohydrates – Record healthy carbohydrates daily, adjustment based on your microbiome and activity level. Focus on whole fruits with pulp and gradually introduce fiber -rich food as your intestinal health improves. But what if your intestines are seriously endangered and complex carbohydrates cannot tolerate? Don’t worry – I give you tips on how you can repair your intestines in the last part.
2.A carbon dioxide-rich environment and eliminate harmful food Minimize oxygen by guaranteeing sufficient cellular energy production through good nutrition and stress management.
Avoid high intensity exercises immediately after meals, because it can disrupt this delicate balance by removing blood flow from digestion. In addition, eliminate vegetable oils, processed foods and nuts from your diet to protect your intestines and overall health.
3.Optimize the SCFA production while the intestinal barrier is protected – Improve the production of SCFAs, essential for both health and brain health, by consuming suitable carbohydrate sources. Introduce fiber gradually and check the reaction of your body to prevent the endotoxin levels from being increased. SCFAs help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, to support the overall well-being.
4.Protect the mitochondrial function with healthy fats – Vegetable oils are one of the most harmful toxins in the modern Western diet. Instead, cook home -made meals with natural fats such as grass -lined butter, sebum or ghee. These healthy fats support the production of mitochondrial energy and maintaining useful intestinal bacteria.
Additional strategies to support the microbiome function in the intestine
Is your intestines seriously compromised? If so, you must repair it slowly until you can regularly digest healthy carbohydrates. In My interview with Dr. Vincent PedreAn internist who focuses on functional medicine and intestinal health, he orders to start with low carbohydrate and carnivore -like diets, because this creates an environment that limits the fuel sources of pathogenic bacteria.
Although it will produce results, I recommend the long -term implementation because you ultimately need carbohydrates. If you don’t have enough carbohydrate intake, your muscles will eventually waste and cortisol will raise.
In my newest book, ‘Cellular Health’, I propose the dextrose water as a way to help seriously ill people increase their carbohydrate intake without serious side effects. Unlike complex carbohydrates of fruit and vegetables, dextrose is absorbed in your small intestine and you do not feed bacteria in the colon, preventing the production of endotoxin.
Certain foods will also help to strengthen your intestines naturally. For example, pomegranate extract and citrus bioflavonoids contain protective properties that help rebuild the mucus layer in your intestine. Moreover, these are effective in supporting the growth of probiotics without causing side effects such as gas and bloating, in contrast to other prebiotics.
Also consider practicing stress management techniques, because stress is a lot of pressure on your intestinal microbioma. This is especially the case if you still build up your stomach to tolerate healthy carbohydrates. Techniques such as Right breathing And meditation will put your body in a relaxed state that is conducive to healing.
Note, however, that traditional meditation – especially when they are practiced incorrectly – sometimes leads to oversores and reducing your carbon dioxide content. This is not the ideal environment to cure your intestines. Remember that carbon dioxide is important to support your intestinal microbiome. To reduce this problem, I advise you to practice slow breathing techniques with which the carbon dioxide content can rise, which improves the oxygen delivery to your tissues.