Recent science proves that intestinal bacteria are part of your immune system, and researchers are discovering that ‘healthy’ bacteria play instrumental roles in countless areas of your health, including your weight.There are trillions of bacteria in your gut – all essential for well being.
• Researchers have discovered that there’s different gut bacteria between the overweight and those of normal weight. A strain of beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown in studies to aid weight loss in women. We are happy for our nurse to give this to patients.
• There’s a connection between the foods you crave and the composition of the bacteria in your gut (that depend on those foods for their survival)
The Diet-Bacteria-Weight Connection
Bacterial imbalance in your gut will be worsened by foods that have been processed, pasteurized or sterilized. Also, sugar is one of the greatest promoters of disease-causing yeasts and fungi which over colonize your gut.
Do you have gut yeast (candida) overgrowth?
Do you feel fatigue, depression, irritability, headaches, problems concentrating, muscle weakness, recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections, athlete’s foot, jock itch, persistent heartburn, indigestion, constipation, swollen joints, nasal congestion, and suffer from frequent sore throats? Or ‘irritable bowl’ symptoms of bloating, wind, and constipation or diarrhea cycles?
News: researchers have discovered a difference in gut bacteria between the overweight and those of normal weight.
In the overweight gut, a bacterial strain known as firmicutes is found in much greater abundance than in leaner individuals. In those of normal weight, bacterium ‘bacteroidetes ‘ is in greater supply.
Research has found that at least 20% of weight loss in gastric bypass is partly due to different gut bacteria thriving in the colon.
The firmicutes bacteria appear to be much better than the bacteroidetes strain at turning calories from complex sugars into fat. I.e. it created more fat! As those who are overweight begin to slim down, the bacterial balance shifts from predominantly firmicutes to predominantly bacteroidetes.
According to the most recent study, a strain of friendly bacteria called lactobacillus rhamnosus also appears to be helpful for weight loss in women:
In controlled clinical trials, for the first 12 weeks women were guided to eat less food and some were additionally given the Lactobacillus rhamnosus. After 12 weeks the amount of weight loss was greater in the group receiving the friendly flora supplement.
Over the next 12 weeks the dietary restrictions were lifted, and the friendly flora was continued. Those women not taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus now gained weight, whereas the friendly flora group continued to lose weight.
So the weight loss benefit was associated with the bacterial profile of the digestive tract. This must not be ignored in any long-term successful weight loss plan.
We have this Lactobacillus rhamnosus in stock at Dr. Jamieson Integrative Medical Practice, if required, and are happy for patients to get it from the nurse.
Gut Bacteria Linked To Appetite
In weight management, scientists hypothesize that your gut bacteria may in fact be in control of your appetite. Recent research suggests there’s a connection between the foods you crave and the composition of the bacteria in your gut that depend on those nutrients for their survival. Bacteria thriving on sugar, for example, can signal your brain to eat more sweets. Other studies have shown that certain bacteria found in your gut can produce insulin resistance and weight gain by triggering chronic low-grade inflammation in your body.
Your diet will change your gut bacteria:
YOU are ultimately in control of your intestinal microflora—through the foods you eat.
From a Science News article:
Local diets dictate the bacterial balance found in residents. For example, despite living on opposite ends of the Earth, people in Malawi and the Guahibo tribe of Venezuela have similar microbial makeup, courtesy of the similarities between their native diets. North Americans,on the other hand, have a distinctive gut bacterial pattern with about 25 percent less diversity than indigenous Venezuelans.
One of the primary differences between the diets is meat consumption.
The Malawian and Guahibo diets are high in corn and cassava, with an occasional piece of meat. Americans, on the other hand, are far more carnivorous, and also eat far more bread, lettuce and tomatoes, potatoes, pasta, milk and dairy products. The microbial makeup of the three groups will crack the lid open on the effects on gut flora of a myriad of lifestyle choices, by people of all ethnicities and ages.
If we can better understand how diet and lifestyle — whether by choice or necessity — affect your microbial makeup, doctors may eventually be able to precisely address health problems and disease through dietary prescriptions known to shift the microbial population in one direction or another.
What To Eat
Whole, unprocessed foods, and lots of vegetables.
Especially good:
Sauerkraut, pickles, and other fermented vegetables
• Fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt and kefir made from raw (unpasteurized) dairy
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Olives
What not to eat: SUGAR and processed foods.