If you are looking to improve your brain function, according to the latest reports in this direction, it seems that consuming fiber is able to do the trick. Check out the latest reports about this very interesting and useful insight into better brain health.
Improving brain function
Here’s the secret to boosting brain function.
Recent research has revealed that taking a daily fiber supplement can potentially enhance brain function in adults who are 60 years and above in just 12 weeks.
The findings of a new randomized controlled trial published in Nature Communications indicate that supplementing prebiotic fiber is an uncomplicated and cost-effective technique to improve crucial brain function, which is linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
More than 6 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, as per the Alzheimer’s Association.
This number is projected to almost double to 13 million by 2050. The disease is responsible for almost one in three senior deaths, surpassing the combined fatalities of breast and prostate cancers.
The cost of Alzheimer’s in the United States was $345 billion at the end of 2023.
Researchers from King’s College London enrolled 36 pairs of twins over 60 years old for a double-blind study. One twin received a 7.5-gram prebiotic supplement daily for 12 weeks, while the other received a placebo.
Participants also exercised and consumed protein supplements. Prebiotics help the growth of good bacteria in the gut, while probiotics contain live microorganisms.
Although the prebiotic supplement did not show any improvements in muscle function or strength, it did have a positive impact on the gut microbiome of those who took it.
Specifically, the supplement significantly increased the amount of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium. Researchers believe that Bifidobacteria are some of the earliest to inhabit the gastrointestinal tract in humans.
Due to their metabolic abilities, which include reducing oxidative stress, correcting cholesterol metabolism, and boosting immunity, Bifidobacteria are thought to be beneficial for heart health.
The research team noted there is “a growing body of evidence supporting a gut-brain axis,” in which the composition of the gut can directly influence how well the mind works.
According to the notes, Bifidobacterium has been studied numerous times and has demonstrated encouraging effects on cognition, though more research is needed, as per the team.
I suggest that you check out the complete study that has been published in the official publication.
