NOURISH FROM WITHIN

Dr Gauri Dubey explains how Indian Plant-Based Food Boosts Gut Health

- Dr Gauri Dubey

In a world increasingly obsessed with health trends and superfoods, many are turning back to the roots to rediscover the age-old wisdom embedded in traditional Indian diets. At the heart of this shift lies the recognition of gut health as a cornerstone of overall wellness. And as it turns out, Indian plant-based food is not just comforting and flavorful it may also be one of the best allies for a healthy, happy gut.

But what exactly makes plant-based Indian food so powerful for digestion? Let's journey through the digestive system, explore how food is processed, and uncover how our desi staples naturally nurture the gut's delicate microbiome.

The gut microbiota a metabolic powerhouse

The human gut houses an astonishingly diverse microbial community over a thousand species and trillions of microorganisms collectively bearing roughly 150 times more genes than the human genome itself. This complex ecosystem acts as a crucial regulator of physiological processes, influencing metabolism, immune function, and more. It's so central that researchers now refer to the gut microbiota as a "vital organ".

Microbiota & Metabolism: Unpacking the Connections

Energy harvest & SCFA production

Gut microbes' ferment indigestible carbohydrates like fiber and resistant starch into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA): acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs are vital: butyrate fuels colon cells, propionate supports liver processes, and acetate enters the bloodstream to fuel peripheral tissues. SCFA also activate G-protein-coupled receptors (e.g., GPR41, GPR43), promoting gut motility, satiety, and fat regulation.

Hormonal signaling & appetite modulation

Microbial metabolite production stimulates the release of hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY through GPR41/GPR43 pathways key players in hunger regulation and glucose management.