Is It Time To Consider A Probiotic Supplement For Weight Loss?

firmicutes

We’ve known for sometime that the health benefits of probiotic supplementation go far beyond digestive and immune system support. But how many of us have ever considered a probiotic supplement as part of our weight loss/weight management regimen? Perhaps more people should. A slew of studies in recent years have revealed a correlation between extra weight/total body fat and our intestinal microbiota balance.

Researchers have studied the gut microbes of mice, zebra fish, and human subjects. They’ve discovered one parallel trait among all three species. An imbalance that could predispose some individuals to weight gain, perhaps making it difficult for their body to break down food, especially carbohydrates and fats, as well as it should.

Bacteriodetes and Firmicutes are the two bacteria groups dominating the microflora of our intestinal tract. Obese subjects, whether they were mice, fish, or human, had fewer Bacteriodetes than their lean counterparts. This has led researchers to conclude that having too few Bacteriodetes, and too many Firmicutes, may cause the body to absorb more calories from fat. The body subsequently stores more fat in response.

When people talk about today’s obesity epidemic, along with the surge in diagnosed metabolic diseases associated with altered lipid metabolism like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, they are often mystified as to why these conditions are more prevalent today than in the past. Obviously much of the problem can be traced directly to our diet. Not only are we overeating but we’re eating the wrong types of foods.

For example, many people are unaware that the high fructose corn syrup, commonly used as a sweetener in everything from soft drinks to even those “probiotic” yogurts or fiber bars sold at grocery stores, is actually a prebiotic that stimulates Firmicutes. This may be one reason for the shift in our microbiota from Bacteroidetes to more Firmicutes over the past two decades.

So what does all of this mean to us? First, more research is definitely needed since there is still some confusion and conflicting data as to whether or not some people are born with this imbalance, making them more prone to being overweight and obese, or if it is all rooted in diet. Some studies even suggest that the imbalance may start with formula-fed infants who may be more likely to become obese as they get older. Human studies also suggest that the imbalance can be reversed with dietary changes and healthier eating, like limiting complex carbohydrates and saturated fats, although studies on mice indicated diet alone could not increase Bacteriodetes or lower Firmicutes.

But as the science comes in, we do know that there are plenty of friendly bacteria that can be ingested through supplements to displace the damaging bacteria in our gut, possibly restoring proportionate Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes balance, and aiding with weight loss or weight management.

2 comments

  1. marty1234 says:

    New here.First post! I take very few supplements but I’ve found the best probiotic to be whole raw milk, i also use it when taking my vitamins ect.

    • Geek10 says:

      Hi Marty. I can honestly say I haven’t heard that before. I can see how it would work, as unprocessed whole milk has all the natural bacteria and enzymes that it comes with naturally. The only possible downside I can see is that the strains (and the strength of the strains) will vary from cow to cow due to differences in biology and diet. But still, if it works it works! I’d recommend discussing this tactic with a doctor, however, as I am not a doctor and cannot vouch for its safety or efficacy.

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