We make important decisions from the gut, because we “trust” our gut feeling. Stomach and intestines are considered our second brain, and not only because of the gut feeling. The “microbiome-intestinal-brain axis” is responsible for this phenomenon.
New in this combination is the microbiome, the colorful spectrum of our intestinal bacteria. It is able to send signals to the brain via the intestinal mucosa and thus directly influences our health in many ways. This is especially true for feelings such as hunger and satiation.
Prof. Arne Astrup, head of the Institute for Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports at the University of Copenhagen, recently spoke on the role of the microbiome in the treatment of obesity and diabetes as part of a lecture series titled “Knowledge Creates Health” at the Biogena Academy in Vienna. Prof. Astrup focused particularly on the “New Nordic Diet”, a modified form of the Mediterranean diet, which replaced olive oil with canola or rapeseed oil and was generally inspired by foods that are prevalent in Scandinavian countries.
The microbiome as the key to weight reduction
Prof. Astrup his research team showed that the composition of intestinal bacteria determines certain diets connections to weight loss. The bacterial strains Prevotella and Bacteroides are particularly important.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PREVOTELLA AND BACTEROIDES IS AT THE HEART OF SUCCESSFUL NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION
The more bacteria of the Prevotella strain that can colonize the intestine, the stronger the positive effects of a calorie-reduced “New Nordic Diet” diet on fat loss. However, if bacteria of the Bacteroides strain predominate then targeted diets may not achieve fat loss, despite a calorie deficit. These findings published in the International Journal of Obesity open up completely new ways of personalized nutrition.
Based on an analysis of microbiome composition, individual nutrition strategies can be built in the future. Only in this way can a successful therapy of obesity and diabetes be guaranteed. Prof. Astrup’s warning at the conclusion of the lecture is particularly important. “Because every person is unique and has individual requirements, each needs a nutrition program tailored to the person.”
