The Science of Your Gut Sense & the Gut-Brain Axis | Dr. Diego Bohórquez
Andrew Huberman
May 27, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Recognize gut as primary sensory interface for body
The gut is the only internal organ continuously exposed to the outside world, acting as a primary sensory interface for the body.
Utilize neuropods for rapid sugar signaling to the brain
Specialized gut cells called neuropods use the neurotransmitter glutamate to signal the presence of sugar to the brain within milliseconds, much faster than traditional hormone signaling.
Rewire cravings through gastric bypass surgery
A woman who was repulsed by egg yolks began craving them after gastric bypass surgery, demonstrating how altering the gut can completely invert food preferences.
Activate gut cells to influence taste preferences
By activating specific gut cells with light, scientists made mice crave non-caloric sweeteners as if they were real sugar, proving the gut can drive preference independent of taste.
Recognize increased alcoholism risk after gastric bypass surgery
Patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery have a two to seven-fold increased likelihood of developing alcoholism, likely due to the gut's rewired sensitivity and reward pathways.
Recognize gut signals to avoid low-protein meals
If a meal is low in protein, an animal will eat more to compensate, but if protein is completely absent, the animal will learn to avoid that food entirely.
Utilize fiber to synthesize essential amino acids without meat
In the absence of dietary protein, a diet rich in highly digestible fiber can trigger gut microorganisms to synthesize the essential amino acids your body needs.
Incorporate Guayusa tea and Chonta palm dates for energy and appetite control
A native Amazonian ritual involves drinking Guayusa tea at 4 a.m. for energy and appetite suppression, followed by a meal of Chonta palm dates, which are rich in lipids and fiber.
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