New Delhi: Do you also binge on foods like samosa or burgers whenever you feel stressed? A recent study has revealed that eating these junk foods can actually increase anxiety levels.
The study has been conducted by the researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The researchers found that in animals, a high-fat diet disturbs the gut bacteria changes the behaviour and alters the chemicals in ways that increase anxiety.
High-fat diet alone could change the expression of genes
A professor of integrative physiology at CU Boulder and lead author of the study, Christopher Lowry in the study noted that exposure to an ultra-high-fat-diet consisting of predominantly saturated fats, especially at a young age could boost anxiety in the short-term and prime the brain to be more prone to it in the future.
As per the study, the high-fat diet group showed a molecular signature of high anxiety in their brains.
Animal’s microbiome were examined
For the study, the researchers studied the animal’s microbiome or gut bacteria, throughout the study. Two groups were compared, the high-fat diet group not only gained weight but also showed significantly less diversity in gut bacteria. This group also had higher expression of three genes involved in the production and signalling of the neurotransmitter serotonin which is linked to stress and anxiety.
Serotonin is a ‘feel good brain chemical’
Serotonin is often called a ‘feel-good brain chemical,’ which are the subsets of serotonin neurons that can prompt anxiety-like responses when active in animals. Lowry suggests that an unhealthy microbiome may compromise the gut lining, allowing bacteria to enter the body’s circulation and communicate with the brain through the vagus nerve which is a pathway from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain.
Researchers noted that not all fats are bad. As per reports, healthy fats, like those found in fish, olive oil, nuts, and seeds can be anti-inflammatory and beneficial for the brain.
The study has been conducted by the researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The researchers found that in animals, a high-fat diet disturbs the gut bacteria changes the behaviour and alters the chemicals in ways that increase anxiety. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
