Not just a gut feeling, way to healthy brain is indeed through stomach

NEW DELHI: It is often said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Well, researchers believe that the way to a healthy brain is also through the stomach.
The inclusion of millets in our diet can reduce the decline in our cognitive functions, primarily memory loss, mental agility and even Alzheimer's and dementia. And who best can ensure it?

The answer is meal preparers, especially women, who, if encouraged and educated about the benefits of millets can include them in their families’ diet.This was highlighted by a speaker during a seminar on “Gut, Microbiome and Millets”.
The event emphasised the significance of gut health in addressing nutritional inadequacies and chronic illnesses. While policies play a role, the speaker stressed that "the key to promoting millet consumption lies in raising awareness and educating those who prepare meals, particularly women.”
The seminar was organised on Saturday by the Celiac Society of India and Indian Coalition for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, partnered by Illness to Wellness.
By teaching those responsible for cooking about the benefits of millets, we can effectively encourage the incorporation of these grains into diets. This approach is more likely to yield positive results than relying solely on policy changes.
Emphasising the significance of altering our eating habits to address the current nutritional challenges, Dr Vinod Kumar Paul, a member of NITI Aayog, stressed the importance of incorporating more nutritious foods, such as millets, into our diets while reducing our consumption of processed foods.
He highlighted the long-standing belief held by our ancestors regarding the link between food and overall behaviour. "By making conscious choices to include healthier options like millets in our meals, we can positively impact not only our physical well-being but also our mental and emotional state,” he said.
Ishi Khosla, clinical nutritionist, columnist, author, entrepreneur and researcher, said: "Grain changer is a game changer." She emphasised that humans have become disconnected from their gut health. However, recent scientific advancements are helping validate the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Khosla mentioned four key factors for maintaining optimal health: gut, girth, gluten and glucose. These elements are interconnected and play a crucial role in shaping our overall well-being. By understanding the significance of these four factors, people can make informed decisions to modify their eating habits.
Dr Meena Mishra, chairperson of the Brain Behaviour Research Foundation of India, discussed the impact of millet on various life stages, particularly in relation to cognitive health during the ageing process. She said that as people age, they often experience a decline in cognitive functions, which can manifest as memory loss and reduced mental agility. "Millets, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, can help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia," Dr Mishra said.
She emphasised that millets can be beneficial as a substitute, whether used as a preventive measure or as an intervention for those already seeing cognitive decline. She highlighted that research indicates a connection between diets that include millets and a decreased occurrence of cognitive decline among elderly.
Former Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi highlighted India's significant contribution to the world's millet production, accounting for one-fifth of the global output. She underscored the importance of healthy eating, asserting that "if your food is good, it is itself a medicine."
Dr Chandrakant Pandav, Padma Shri awardee and a renowned expert in community medicine, Dr Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr Dangs Lab and a specialist in Liver and GI pathology, and Dr Kapil Yadav from Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS were present on the occasion.