Healthy gut protects the brain from stress

Prof. Dr. Lütfü Hanoğlu, Head of Neurology Department at Medipol University Hospital, emphasized the importance of gut microbiota on brain health. Prof. Dr. Hanoğlu said, “Recent studies have revealed that gut health has a profound and decisive effect on brain functions.”

The community of microorganisms in our intestines, called microbiota, plays a critical role especially in protecting brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Prof. Dr. Lütfü Hanoğlu, Head of the Department of Neurology at Medipol Mega University Hospital, said, “Healthy bacterial diversity, balance in the intestinal flora and inflammation levels directly affect our cognitive functions. Therefore, the first step to improve and protect our brain health should be to focus on our gut health.”

Balance in gut flora affects cognitive function

Stating that the strong relationship between the gut and the brain is considered a revolutionary discovery in the field of health, Prof. Hanoğlu said, “The health of the gut microbiota is closely associated with the presence of probiotic bacteria, especially Bifidobacterium Longum and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus. These bacteria strengthen the gut wall, regulate the immune system and have the potential to protect brain health by reducing inflammation. Research shows that Bifidobacterium Longum in particular improves cognitive function and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases by maintaining a balance in the gut flora. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is known to be effective in combating stress and thus plays a role in the protection of stress-induced brain functions.”

Probiotics and prebiotics should be used regularly

Stating that gut health helps us understand the profound effects of gut health on brain function, Prof. Hanoğlu said, “Regular consumption of probiotics and prebiotics is important for a healthy microbiota. Organizing our eating habits and lifestyle to support gut health is an important step towards protecting and improving brain health. These discoveries also shed light on the development of new strategies for the treatment and prevention of neurological diseases in the future. The scientific world continues to work to understand this complex relationship between gut microbiota and brain health in more depth.”