Regulatory Impact of Hormones on the Gastrointestinal Process
Gut hormones are a big deal when it comes to controlling how much we eat and how much energy we burn. They're the brains behind the body's largest hormone factory, sending out more than 20 different signals to regulate appetite and influence your cravings.
Hormone Action
These hormones are like the chemical messengers of the body, produced by specialized cells known as endocrine cells. Once released, they enter the bloodstream and travel to their target site, kicking off a series of reactions to stimulate the cell. They might trigger the production of new proteins, activate or deactivate enzymes, or enable the passage of substances in and out of the cell.
Classification of Hormones
There are two main types of hormones – steroid hormones and non-steroid hormones. Steroid hormones, like oestrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D, are derived from cholesterol. The rest are made from amino acids and can be categorized into four groups: proteins, peptides, glucoproteins, and amino acid derivatives.
Hormones and Food
A dude named John Ingram, senior research scientist for Plant & Food Research in Auckland, sheds some light on the role of several digestive tract hormones. Some of these hormones team up with your brain's satiety centres to signal when you're full and should stop eating.
- Ghrelin, produced in the stomach, is the hormone that tells you it's time to chow down. Its appetite-boosting powers can even override feelings of fullness.
- Gastrin is produced when the stomach stretches, triggering the release of gastric juices rich in pepsin and hydrochloric acid to Prepare for the upcoming meal.
- Secretin, produced in the duodenum, stimulates the pancreas to produce alkaline secretions, slowing down the speed at which the stomach empties.
- Cholecystokinin (CCK) is released in the duodenum in response to fats and proteins. It not only slows down the speed at which the stomach empties but also stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder to aid digestion.
- Peptide YY (PYY) is produced in the last part of the small intestine and plays a role in slowing down the movement of food through the gut, increasing nutrient absorption and promoting feelings of fullness.
- Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is produced in the small intestine and colon, where it enhances feelings of fullness, reduces food intake, and stimulates insulin release to regulate blood glucose levels.
Satiation Research
Researchers at Plant & Food Research, such as John Ingram, are currently investigating natural compounds found in plants that can trick your stomach into thinking it's full. These compounds, called polyphenols, may help reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness, making it easier for us to maintain a healthy weight.
Balancing the Energy Budget
It's a delicate balance, controlling our food intake based on signals from our gut hormones and our brain. Despite the amazing mechanisms evolution has provided us, modern life tends to overwork our food processing system, leading to weight gain and obesity. Obesity is no joke, as it's closely linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep disorders, and even psychological problems.
Update 2018
A significant breakthrough came in 2018 when researchers developed a bitter plant extract called Amarasate, extracted from New Zealand-grown hops. This extract releases bitter compounds into the duodenum, triggering an evolutionary defense mechanism that tells the brain to stop eating. Calocurb, a weight-management supplement using Amarasate, was licensed to a New Zealand company and made available in 2018. Plant & Food Research was even awarded the 2018 Kiwinet PwC Commercialisation Award for their groundbreaking work on Amarasate.
- In the realm of health and wellness, scientists are investigating natural compounds found in plants, such as polyphenols, which can mimic the effects of gut hormones to trick our stomach into feeling full and potentially aid in maintaining a healthy weight.
- CBD, a non-steroid hormone derived from plants, might have a significant impact on health and wellness, as research continues to explore its potential benefits, including its role in appetite regulation and weight management.
- In the fitness and exercise realm, understanding the roles of specific hormones like Ghrelin, Gastrin, Secretin, Cholecystokinin (CCK), Peptide YY (PYY), and Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in food intake and nutrient absorption could help optimize diets and exercise regimens for better health outcomes.
