Yup, Fiber!

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Butyrate, produced by gut bacteria when they ferment dietary fiber, acts as a signaling molecule in the gut-brain axis, influencing stress, pain tolerance, immunity, and brain health

• Through multiple mechanisms, including specific enzyme inhibition and NF-κB pathway regulation, butyrate reduces neuroinflammation and protects against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

• Butyrate influences key neurotransmitters including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, while also increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuronal growth and cognitive function

• The vagus nerve serves as a communication highway between the gut and the brain, transmitting signals about butyrate levels that affect mood regulation, stress response, and immune function

• Optimizing gut health through dietary fiber and homemade fermented foods helps promote butyrate production and maintain a healthy gut-brain connection

More extensive reading is available at mercola.com