When it comes to weight loss, there are a lot of diets and quick fixes that claim to offer the easy solution. However, the truth is that sustainable weight loss takes time, effort, and commitment. But one area that is always overlooked in weight loss plans is gut health.
The truth is good bacteria or microbes do not make you lose weight. However, the introduction of good bacteria will help improve the balance of the intestinal environment and maintain a diverse gut microbiome. Which, in turn, helps control metabolism and further helps to control body weight.
There are two bacterias associated with lean body weight: Akkermansia Muciniphila and Christensenella.
Both bacterias are linked with preventing weight gain and are often found in slim individuals. What Akkermansia Muciniphila does is strengthens your gut lining, support your microbiome health, and protect you from diseases. On the other hand, Christensenella plays a vital role in gut health as it maintains microbial symbiosis.
There are foods known to boost these bacteria. Consuming them from time to time will help you achieve a healthier gut and have a normal metabolism. Here are some of them:
- Cranberries
- Black tea
- Fish oil
- Flax seeds
- Grapes
- Bamboo shoots
A growing body of evidence suggests that gut health is linked to weight loss. For example, a study published in the journal Gut found that obese people tend to have less diverse gut microbiota than people of average weight. This suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria may contribute to obesity.
Another study, published in the journal Nature, found that obese mice who were given a probiotic supplement had reduced body fat and improved insulin sensitivity. Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for gut health.
So, while there is no quick fix for weight loss, paying attention to gut health is an integral part of any sustainable weight loss plan. For example, introducing probiotics through supplements or fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. And in turn, this may help support weight loss.
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