It is now believed that the gut bacteria or microbiome also influences the brain and brain function by producing neurotransmitters/hormones, immune-regulating molecules and bacterial toxins. "Our study compared the gut microbiomes of individuals with PTSD to that of people who also experienced significant trauma, but did not develop PTSD," said Stefanie Malan-Muller, postdoctoral fellow at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
"We identified a combination of three bacteria (Actinobacteria, Lentisphaerae and Verrucomicrobia) that were different in people with PTSD," said Malan-Muller, who collaborated with researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder in the US for the study. Individuals with PTSD had significantly lower levels of this trio of bacteria compared to trauma-exposed control groups, researchers said. However, researchers are unable to determine whether this bacterial deficit contributed to PTSD susceptibility, or whether it occurred as a consequence of PTSD.
To avoid certain health problems in the longer run, it is imperative to alter your diet to keep your gut healthy. Here are some foods that will help prevent any problems in the gut.
1. Fermented foods
There is nothing like fermented food items to boost your gut health, from classic curd to other foods like kefir, kombucha , et al. Load up on foods rich in pro and prebiotics.
2. Turmeric
The main ingredient of turmeric is curcumin which stimulates the gall bladder to produce bile and further facilitates the breakdown of large fat globule, thus improving digestion.
3. Almonds
Magnesium content present in almonds controls gastric acid production, gastric emptying, intestinal motility and bile secretion, further keeping your gut healthy.
4. Spinach and Beetroot
Spinach and beetroot are excellent sources of Betaine HCL to increase your haemoglobin. Betaine HCL is a hydrochloric salt of betaine that serves as a gastric juice acidifier.
With Inputs from PTI
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