Dietary prebiotics improve sleep, buffer impacts of stress

New research suggests that lesser-known gut-health promoters called #prebiotics (dietary fibers found naturally in foods like #chicory, #artichokes, raw #garlic, #leeks and #onions) which serve as food for good bacteria inside the gut -- can also have an impact, improving #sleep and buffering the physiological impacts of #stress.

In recent years, reams of research papers have shed light on the health benefits of probiotics, the "good bacteria" found in fermented foods and dietary supplements. Now a first-of-its kind study by University of Colorado Boulder scientists suggests that lesser-known gut-health promoters called prebiotics -- which serve as food for good bacteria inside the gut -- can also have an impact, improving sleep and buffering the physiological impacts of stress.

"We found that dietary prebiotics can improve non-REM sleep, as well as REM sleep after a stressful event," said Robert Thompson, a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Integrative Physiology and first author of the new study published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.Prebiotics are dietary fibers found naturally in foods like chicory, artichokes, raw garlic, leeks and onions. When beneficial bacteria digest prebiotic fiber, they not only multiply, improving overall gut health, but they also release metabolic byproducts. Some research suggests these byproducts can influence brain function, explains lead author Monika Fleshner, a professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology.

 Link to the study :  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170225102123.htmStory Source: Materials provided by University of Colorado at BoulderPhoto courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/jeanaupton/prebiotic-foods/