Researchers identify link between gut bacteria and eating for pleasure, as opposed to hunger

(University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences) A study of 63 healthy people showed that those with elevated microbiome levels of the metabolite indole -- produced when gut bacteria break down the amino acid tryptophan -- had stronger function and connectivity in specific areas of the brain's reward network. Such activity in the brain indicates that a person is more prone to 'hedonic eating,' or eating for pleasure rather than for hunger. Those with higher levels of indole also were more likely to have food addiction.

from EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science https://ift.tt/2PAdwcD