Japanese researchers reveal that diets rich in pulses and vegetables can help reduce stress levels – not only through nutrients, but by supporting the development of specific intestinal bacteria.
Research: Pulses and vegetable intake is linked to increased abundance. Credit Picture: Santhosh Varghese / Shutterstock
In a recent study published in the magazine Espen clinical dietThe researchers investigated the relationship between the quality of nutrition, stress and gut. People are exposed daily to stressors and prolonged exposure can have a negative impact on both the body and the mind. In addition, it can lead to migraines, neurosis, stomach ulcers, anxiety and depression. The microbial intestine has been linked to stress, with studies suggesting that stress can alter the composition of the gut and that the gut germal, in turn, can affect stress reactions.
In addition, epidemiological studies indicate that diet plays a decisive role in stress, with various foods and nutrients that affect stress levels. The nutrient profile is the science of classification or classification of foods based on their nutritional value to promote health and prevent the disease. Nutritional profiles (NPMS) serve as integrated evaluation indicators that consider multiple nutrients at the same time, rather than focusing on one.
Various NPMS have been developed to evaluate the quality of nutrition. One such NPM is the nutrient -rich food index 9.3 (NRF9.3), which can be applied to individual foods, menus, meals and whole diets. However, there are limited studies on the relationship between health indicators and NRF9.3. In addition, before this research, no study has explored the relationship between NRF2.3 and germ or intestinal stress.
For the study
In the present study, the researchers investigated the relationship between the quality of nutrition, stress and gut. They used data from the Sukoyaka health survey of Japanese adults aged 20-80, which took place twice a year (in winter and summer). This study analyzed data from 2019 and 2020.
The composition of germs was analyzed using metagonal hunting weapons. NRF9.3 was used to determine the quality of the diet. NRF9.3 scores were calculated using FFQ data, with higher ratings indicating a diet rich in beneficial nutrients (eg minerals, dietary fibers, vitamins) and low in moderate nutrients (eg, eg.
Hierarchical accumulation was used to stratification of subjects based on stress levels. The composition of germs of the bowel and the quality of the diet were compared between the clusters. An exploratory possibility of analyzing network modeling was carried out to investigate statistical correlations and possible mediation routes between bowel germs, dietary agents and response ratings, and adapted to age, body mass index and blood pressure. The authors noted that other potential confusing factors, such as physical activity, socio -economic and probiotic use, could not be adapted to this analysis.
It is important that the study sample included the majority of female participants, which may affect the generalization of the results.
Findings
The study included 1,058 healthy adults aged 48.9, on average. The majority of participants were women, which may affect the generalization of the results. Hierarchical grouping analysis identified three (optimal) clusters (1-3). Clusters 2 and 3 had significantly higher and lower stress response ratings, respectively, representing high pressure and low pressure groups. Complex 1 represented the middle stress group. In addition, complex 2 had significantly lower NRF9.3 scores than other clusters, indicating poor nutrition quality.
In addition, complex 2 had a significantly reduced intake of vegetables and pulse compared to other clusters. The researchers further investigated specific foods on FFQ and estimated individual food intake in nine vegetables and four pulses. They found that Cluster 2 had a significantly lower intake of green peppers, tomatoes and Natto than other clusters.
Complex 2 also showed significantly reduced relatives Rimine and Rack compared to complex 3 and Cylindel compared to complex 1. Researchers found a statistically supported mediation: a relationship between NRF9.3 and Rackas well as between Rack and stress response ratings, but not an immediate effect of NRF9.3 on stress ratings. There was also an important relationship between the quantities of green peppers, Natto and tomato consumed and NRF9.3.
Specifically, while Natto is a traditional Japanese food, the authors agree with their findings, stating that similar bioactive accessories can be found in the world consumed with fermented foods such as Tempeh or Kimchi.
Conclusions
Overall, a higher score of NRF9.3 was associated with increased abundance Rack and reduced scores of physical and mental reaction. Growing Rack The abundance was also associated with a lower stress response. The relationship between the quality of diet and stress seems to be mediated through Rackinstead of being a direct effect of diet on stress. In addition, increased consumption of green peppers, Natto and tomato was associated with higher NRF9.3 and Rack The abundance, which, in turn, was associated with reduced stress response ratings.
Study restrictions include the self -reported nature of eating habits and nutritional intake, possible bias of choice associated with a conscious, mainly female Japanese sample, poor generality in other populations, limited adjustments for confusing factors and use of subjective evaluation. The design of transverse section also prevents any conclusion of causality between diet, gut and stress. Additional studies are required to determine whether these dietary ingredients affect the response of stress by regulating bowel microbes.
The authors note that while Natto, tomatoes and green peppers have been found in this Japanese group, similar bioactive ingredients are available in other foods that consume worldwide and wider dietary patterns rich in polyphenols, nutritional fibers and fermented foods can also be associated.