As mammals age, microglia in the brain change into a proinflammatory phenotype and become overly active, producing chemicals that impair cognitive and motor functions. This is one reason why brain function declines in old age. A new study from the university of Illinois found that dietary fiber supplements reduced inflammation in the microglia of elderly mice, inhibiting the production of harmful substances. Researchers advise older adults to eat more fiber-rich foods, saying it helps them slow down the process of brain function decline.
Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient in a healthy diet that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and when these bacteria digest fiber, they produce a variety of short-chain fatty acids, including butyrates. Scientists have demonstrated in animal models that butyrate drugs have anti-inflammatory and memory benefits. The university of Illinois mouse model showed that eating foods high in dietary fiber can have the same effect as taking butylates.
The researchers presented their findings in a paper in the journal frontiers in immunology. In the study, adult and older mice were fed two different types of dietary fiber for four weeks, and then their blood levels of butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids, intestinal inflammation and gene expression in brain microglia were tested. Final results show that added more dietary fiber, can balance the intestinal microflora disorders associated with age, improve the elderly mice butyrate and other short chain fatty acids in the blood level, not only can significantly reduce the intestinal inflammation in mice, mice can also reduce the brain microglia in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, enhance the capacity of cells, anti-inflammatory, thereby inhibiting the production of harmful chemicals, delay the process of brain function decline.
Although the study was conducted in mice, the researchers believe the results could apply to humans as well. They recommend that older people eat foods rich in dietary fiber, saying it is an effective strategy to increase their levels of butyrate, which is not only good for digestive health, but also helps stave off brain decline.
conclusion
As living standards have improved, we have gained a new understanding of eating -- not only to fill our stomachs, but to eat healthily. But how to eat healthy? People often fall into a situation where there is no scientific basis to follow, and some people are even at the mercy of food rumors. This reflects that some members of the public lack relevant scientific literacy and are easily fooled. It also reflects the lack of scientific research on the relationship between food and health.
