Microbes in the Human Gut-Human Behavior and The Bhagavad Gita
Hi Friends,
The human brain is one of the most complex structures in the whole universe. The human gut, which is an equally complex organ, is populated with trillions of microbes which are useful and live a symbiotic existence with us. These are collectively called as the “Microbiota”. These microbes are nourished by the food we consume while they in turn help us in a variety of ways including optimal brain development and functioning. These microbes produce numerous neurochemicals on which we are dependent. They help in food processing, digestion of complex indigestible polysaccharides, synthesis of vitamins and inhibition of pathogens. Many complex carbohydrates like dietary fibers can be digested and then fermented by the microbes in the large intestines into short chain fatty acids which have significant actions on the brain.
It is proposed that the total weight of the microbes in the human gut is almost equal to the weight of the human brain. Normally the colonization of the gut occurs during and after childbirth. The microbes play an important role in brain development. Later, the microbial composition of the gut in the child is determined by many factors like antibiotic use, environmental factors and maternal microbiota. By the age of two to five, the child’s microbiota resembles that of the adult.
Some of the chemicals produced by these microbes play an important role in memory and learning. Dementia in the elderly also may be due to the changing microbiota in them. Many studies have shown that the microbes within the gut can interact with the human brain and alter the behavior of the patient. It has been found that the gut microbiota in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is different from a normal child. A ‘Western Diet’ high in carbohydrates and processed food may have a great impact on gut microbiota. A pure vegan diet has been found to be associated with a reduction in potentially pathological microbes in the gut whereas a high fat diet may change the microbes that could lead to increased risk of inflammation.
It is now known that organisms in the gut can alter human behavior. Some organisms when ingested produce health benefits in psychiatric disorders. These are foods containing live strains of gut friendly bacteria. Fiber rich food also promote the growth of useful bacteria in the gut.
Going back into our ancient scriptures, it has been mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts regarding the role of food in the behavior of humans. The Bhagavad Gita has classified mankind into three types based on their behavior, the Sattvic, Rajasic and the Tamasic. The Sattvic personalities are those who are said to be free from evil, luminous, empathetic, contended, righteous, clean and of good nature The food eaten by them promotes these good qualities in them. Their food is clean and wholesome. Thus, the foods like fruits, vegetables, milk, freshly cooked foods, nuts etc. are said to be Sattvic in nature and the eater’s behavior is conditioned by these foods. This is brought out in the verse in the Bhagavad Gita sating “Ayuh Sattwa bala arogyam........” (Chapter 17. Verse 8).
The next verse (Chapter 17, verse 9) runs thus..”Katvamla lavanathyushna.........” meaning that foods having strong flavor, dense taste, bitter, sour, very spicy and hot, pungent etc., are called Rajasic foods and inculcate Rajasic behavior in the eater like, passion, aggressiveness, restlessness, anger and over activity. These foods sometimes create uncontrollable energies in them.
The next verse in Chapter 17 Verse 10 runs thus: “Yaathayaam gata rasam........”. Foods cooked more than three hours before (i.e. Not freshly cooked or stale food), spoilt food, food with pungent or foul smell for others, foods left overnight, fermented foods (like liquors) are all said to be Tamasic. A person of Tamasic character does not have the intellectual capacity to discriminate between right and wrong. Their behavior is not cultured or may even be barbaric. They are given to bouts of anger, rage, jealousy and such low and negative emotions. Idleness, dullness, heedlessness etc., are their characteristics.
Thus, we see that even more than 5000 years ago, when the Bhagavad Gita was supposed to be written, it was emphasized that food alters human behavior and one’s attitude and actions are to a great extent conditioned by the food one takes.
It is time that one understands the great contributions of the sages and saints of yore who have written these verses centuries ago. These are finding endorsements in today’s science and research is proving that these statements made in the ancient texts of Hindu philosophy are being proven by scientists today.
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