Probiotics for Weight Loss: Can They Help You Shed Those Extra Pounds?
Have you heard about the buzz surrounding probiotics and weight loss? Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial to our gut health. They are commonly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, as well as in supplement form.
Recent research studies have suggested that taking probiotics for weight loss can help you shed those extra pounds. But is this true?
What Are Probiotics?
The human digestive tract contains trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are types of good bacteria that are believed to provide a variety of health benefits, including better digestion, stronger immune system, and improved mental health.
There are many different strains of probiotics, and each strain has different health benefits. The most common probiotic strains include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Lactobacillus plantarum
Probiotics and Weight Loss
Studies have suggested that probiotics can help with weight loss in several ways:
Reducing Appetite
Probiotics may help reduce appetite by increasing the production of hormones that control hunger, such as GLP-1 and PYY. These hormones signal the brain that the stomach is full, which can lead to a decrease in calorie intake.
Decreasing Calorie Absorption
Probiotics may decrease the absorption of calories, which can result in weight loss. This is particularly true for the strain Lactobacillus gasseri, which has been found to reduce the amount of calories absorbed from food.
Decreasing Fat Storage
Probiotics may also help decrease the storage of fat in the body. Studies have shown that some strains of probiotics can reduce the activity of genes that are responsible for fat storage, and can increase the activity of genes that are responsible for fat metabolism.
The Best Probiotics for Weight Loss
Not all probiotics are created equal, and some strains may be more effective for weight loss than others. Here are some of the best probiotics for weight loss:
Lactobacillus gasseri
This strain has been shown to help reduce belly fat and decrease body weight.
Bifidobacterium lactis
This strain has been shown to help reduce body weight and fat mass, as well as improve insulin sensitivity.
Lactobacillus plantarum
This strain has been shown to help decrease body weight and BMI.
Conclusion
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between probiotics and weight loss, there is evidence to suggest that probiotics can be beneficial for shedding those extra pounds. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and kefir into your diet, or taking a probiotic supplement, may be a helpful addition to your weight loss journey.
