Innovative MRI Study Demonstrates Water’s Impact on the Stomach & Brain

 

 

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A study from Wageningen University in the Netherlands demonstrates real-time data of the brain, the stomach, and individual’s emotions simultaneously; not only is the research’s approach novel, but the results showed that a simple change, drinking water, can change messages sent from the stomach that are interpreted as fullness by the brain.
Stomach MRI images were combined with functional, fMRI, images of the brain. The research team used data from 19 participants in two distinct sessions. Each session had different consumption procedures.

In the study, participants first had a milk-shake on an empty stomach and subsequently either a small (50 mL) or large glass of water (350 mL). MRI images were utilized in order to understand how different amounts of water impacted the stretching of the stomach. The large glass of water actually doubled the stomach content relative to the small glass. Those who drank the larger glass of water also commented that they had less hunger and felt fuller.

The innovative approach in this study, using information that was acquired simultaneously from MRI images of the stomach, fMRI scans, and the participants’ emotions, have the ability to offer new insights. For instance, scientists found that activating the mid-temporal gyrus in the brain was impacted by the increased water load present. The method is particularly novel given that MRI scanners typically are used to perform one type of scan. This study, contrastingly, included different types of functionalities.

This new research approach has the potential to serve as a foundation to understand the interplay between satiety feelings, volume of the stomach and activity in the brain.

 

For more information, visit: http://www.ssib.org/