How Probiotics Can Support Weight Loss and Improve Metabolism
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for our health, especially for our digestive system. They are commonly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and pickles. Probiotics have been known to help with a number of digestive issues, but did you know that they can also support weight loss and improve metabolism?
Probiotics and Weight Loss
A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found that taking probiotics could help with weight loss. The study showed that people who took probiotics for 12 weeks lost more weight than those who didn’t. The researchers believe that the probiotics helped to reduce inflammation in the body, which in turn helped with weight loss.
Another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that probiotics could help to reduce belly fat. Belly fat is particularly dangerous because it is associated with a number of health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study showed that people who took probiotics for 12 weeks had a reduction in belly fat compared to those who didn’t take probiotics.
So, how do probiotics help with weight loss? There are a number of ways:
- Probiotics help to improve digestion, which can help with weight loss.
- Probiotics help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to weight loss.
- Probiotics can help to reduce the amount of fat that is absorbed by the body.
- Probiotics can help to increase the levels of hormones that are associated with weight loss, such as GLP-1.
Probiotics and Metabolism
Metabolism refers to the process by which our bodies convert food into energy. A slow metabolism can make it difficult to lose weight, while a faster metabolism can make it easier. Research has shown that probiotics can help to improve metabolism, therefore making it easier to lose weight.
One study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that probiotics could help to increase the number of calories that are burned by the body. The study showed that people who took probiotics for 4 weeks had an increase in metabolism compared to those who didn’t take probiotics.
Another study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology found that probiotics could help to improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. When our bodies become resistant to insulin, it can lead to a number of health problems, including weight gain. The study showed that people who took probiotics for 8 weeks had an improvement in insulin sensitivity compared to those who didn’t take probiotics.
How to Get More Probiotics in Your Diet
If you’re interested in taking probiotics to support weight loss and improve metabolism, there are a number of ways to get more probiotics in your diet:
- Eat fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and pickles.
- Take a probiotic supplement.
- Drink kombucha, a fermented tea.
- Eat tempeh, a fermented soy product.
- Try miso soup, a Japanese soup made with fermented soybean paste.
It’s important to note that not all probiotics are created equal. When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for one that has a high number of live bacteria and strains that have been shown to be effective. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting a probiotic supplement.
Conclusion
Probiotics can support weight loss and improve metabolism by improving digestion, reducing inflammation in the body, reducing the absorption of fat, and increasing hormone levels associated with weight loss. To get more probiotics in your diet, try eating fermented foods, taking a probiotic supplement, or drinking kombucha. Remember to choose a supplement with a high number of live bacteria and strains that have been shown to be effective. Talk to your doctor before starting a probiotic supplement.
