Your Stomach Might Just Be Smarter Than You Think, It Could Be Your 'Sixth Sense'

News18

02-08-2025

Last Updated:
Researchers discovered that our gut contains specialised cells that can detect the protein flagellin and instantly send a signal to the brain, indicating the stomach is full
We often think the stomach's sole function is to digest food, but a new study suggests it does much more. Scientists at Duke University in the US have discovered that our stomach can 'talk" to our brain and signal when to stop eating. This communication occurs via neural signals, which researchers are calling the body's 'sixth sense".
The study focuses on a protein called flagellin, found in the tail-like structure (flagella) of certain bacteria. Researchers discovered that our gut contains specialised cells known as neuropods. These cells can detect flagellin and instantly send a signal to the brain, indicating the stomach is full and prompting us to stop eating.
Neuropods have a unique receptor called TLR5 (Toll-Like Receptor 5). During experiments, mice fed flagellin showed activated TLR5 receptors, and their brains received the signal to stop eating, resulting in reduced food intake. Conversely, mice lacking this receptor continued eating and quickly became obese, demonstrating that the bacteria within us can directly influence our eating behaviour.
The findings extend beyond hunger and obesity. Scientists believe that if gut bacteria can send messages about fullness to the brain, they might also affect mental health, influencing mood, anxiety, and depression.
In simpler terms, your stomach could be playing a role in how happy or anxious you feel, thanks to these tiny microbial proteins.
Although bacteria are often associated with disease, the human body actually houses around 100 trillion microbial cells, outnumbering our human cells. These microscopic organisms live throughout the body and may even influence our decisions and behaviour.
Researchers are now examining how different foods affect our gut microbiome, the community of bacteria in our intestines, and how these changes might impact our brain and emotions. This could lead to new ways to treat conditions like obesity, stress, and mental health disorders.
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