Intestinal microbes may influence your food choices: study

It’s not just about sensing people or situations; your ‘gut feeling’ also decides what kind of food you like, according to a recent study. The bacteria present in human gastrointestinal tracts are known for helping break down food and keeping harmful bacteria out apart from helping to regulate fat storage and provide vitamins.

However, a recent article published in BioEssays notes suggests that intestinal bacteria may also have a role in determining our food choices. It explains that bacteria may change the expressions of taste receptors, which could make certain foods taste better. They may also release hunger-inducing hormones or affect the vagus nerve (which connects the stomach to the brain) to manipulate their hosts’ eating behaviour, as reported in the Atlantic.

The review mentioned that different bacteria caused people to crave for different foods. It also found that some microbes found in people in Japan are especially helpful in the digestion of seaweed.

Of course, humans can also choose to somewhat influence the behaviour of intestinal microbes by adding probiotic foods in their diet. This might help in reducing fat mass or even improving the mood.