Probiotics for weight loss are rapidly achieving the status of superfoods and with good reason. The health of your gut flora can have a big impact on your general health and well-being, affecting everything from the way that you think to how hungry you feel. Taking probiotics for weight loss can also affect how easily you lose weight.
The British Journal of Nutrition recently published the results of a study conducted by a team of Japanese researchers on the subject of probiotics for weight loss. The researchers took 210 overweight people and divided them into three groups.
One group was given a daily serving of fermented milk, and the other two groups were given different amounts of milk spiked with the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri.
They were monitored for twelve weeks, and it was found that the people who were taking the probiotic lost more visceral fat, and more belly fat, than the control group.
How Do Probiotics Work?
Probiotics augment the natural flora in your intestines. The thought of living things being in your gut may seem repulsive, but probiotics are actually an essential part of your digestive system. These enzymes help to break down nutrients in your food, aiding the digestive process. Without them, we would develop all manner of health problems.
Probiotics are not a miracle cure for being overweight, and you will still need to watch your calorie intake and get plenty of exercise, but eating probiotics for weight loss can help kickstart your weight loss. It is thought that having a good balance of flora in your gut can help prevent your body from absorbing calories from fat.
Why Take Probiotics For Weight Loss?
Your liver naturally secretes bile salts which break down fat and make it easier for your body to absorb and digest it. The lactobacillus bacteria destroy those bile salts and thereby help to reduce the number of calories you take up from fat.
In a way, probiotics act like Alli and other weight loss drugs, however, they are much milder, and they do not have the same side effects as the drugs. You won't see results that are as dramatic as the results from drugs that completely block fat absorption, but if you are already moderating your fat intake then the benefits should be apparent.
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If you stick with a probiotic-rich diet, you will enjoy numerous health benefits and should find that the weight you lose will stay off in the long term, unlike weight loss from highly restrictive diets.
How To Increase Your Probiotic Intake
Boosting your probiotic intake can be a game-changer for your gut health, and it's easier than you might think. There are several ways that you can increase your probiotic intake.
Start with your diet. Fermented foods are your best friends here. Yogurt is a classic choice, but make sure to pick one with live cultures.
Kefir, a fermented milk drink, is another great option. Love pickles? Go for naturally fermented ones, not the kind made with vinegar. Sauerkraut and kimchi are also fantastic, adding a spicy kick and a probiotic boost to your meals.
Don’t forget about beverages. Kombucha, a fizzy fermented tea, is not only delicious but packed with probiotics. If you’re into more adventurous flavors, try miso soup or tempeh, both rich in beneficial bacteria.
One option is to eat Japanese dishes such as Natto, which are rich in highly beneficial bacteria that help to regulate your gut flora.
If changing your diet feels daunting, probiotic supplements can be a convenient alternative. Supplements can be helpful if you don't like the taste of probiotic foods, or if you simply want a fast and convenient way to boost your gut flora without having to make drastic changes to your diet.
They come in various forms like capsules and powders, making it easy to get your daily dose. Just be sure to choose a reputable brand. By incorporating these simple changes, you’ll be well on your way to a happier, healthier gut and hopefully weight loss as a result.
Author: Aileen Boyd
Hi, I'm Aileen Boyd, the owner of Diet Pill Judge. I have personally tried loads of diet pills over the years and found that only a few of them really work.
My background is in science, so I set out to find supplements that have scientific evidence behind them and which I can confidently recommend.
Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by Aileen Boyd
