words Alexa Wang
When it comes to weight loss, there are a lot of things that people try. From dieting to working out, people are always looking for that magic solution that will help them shed pounds quickly. Recently, probiotics have come into the spotlight as a potential way to lose weight. Are these Pills worth trying? Here’s what you need to know.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms (usually bacteria) similar to the good bacteria that already live in your gut. These helpful microbes aid in digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and keeping the gut healthy. Probiotics also help keep harmful bacteria and yeast in check, preventing infection and disease. Many people take it to restore the balance of good bacteria in their gut, help treat conditions like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and manage weight loss.
Probiotics are also found in some fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. When shopping for probiotic pills, look for products that contain live and active cultures. These products are more likely to contain the beneficial bacteria you want. Talk to your doctor about whether probiotic supplements are right for you.
How Might Probiotics Help With Weight Loss?
There are a few ways that probiotics could theoretically help with weight loss.
Better Absorption of Nutrients
One way is by helping you absorb more nutrients from your food. This is because probiotics can help break down food and make it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. When you have better nutrient absorption, you’re less likely to experience hunger cravings because your body is getting the nutrition it needs. This needs to be studied more, but some preliminary evidence suggests probiotics could help with nutrient absorption. In a study, people who took a probiotic supplement absorbed more zinc, folate, calcium, and vitamin B12 than those who didn’t take a probiotic supplement.
Reduced Inflammation
What inflammation does is it changes the way that genes express themselves. This can lead to weight gain and make it harder to lose weight. Probiotics could help reduce inflammation, which might be one way they help with weight loss. Some probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis, help reduce inflammation. It is through their ability to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation-causing molecules.
For you to get the most out of your dosage, you need to choose the best probiotic brand. But, with so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. However, reading online reviews can give you a good sense of what other people have experienced with a particular product. In addition, researching the brand can help you to understand the company’s manufacturing process and quality control standards. Pay attention to the dosage listed on the label, as taking too much of a supplement can lead to unwanted side effects.
Controlling Appetite
Probiotics supplements help you lose weight by releasing the appetite-reducing hormones glucagon-like peptide YY (PYY) and peptide-1 (GLP-1). The high level of these hormones has also been shown to help burn more calories. This results in less stored fats which is a source of weight gain. Additionally, adding a high-fiber diet can also help with weight loss. However, if you’re not used to eating a lot of fiber, adding it to your diet can cause constipation, gas, and bloat. Probiotics can help alleviate these symptoms and make it easier for you to get used to a high-fiber diet.
Improved Gut Health
When the good bacteria in your gut are out of balance, it can lead to digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition that’s characterized by bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Probiotics can help alleviate these symptoms and improve gut health. Probiotics can also help reverse leaky gut syndrome. A leaky gut syndrome is a condition where the lining of the intestines becomes damaged, leading to inflammation. Probiotics can help heal the gut lining and reduce inflammation.
Also, consider sticking to the best lifestyle to benefit your gut’s health. For instance, avoid things that tamper with normal function, such as taking too much alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods. It would be best if you also aimed at eating more fermented foods and prebiotics. These are food items that help feed the good bacteria in your gut. Good examples include bananas, onions, garlic, and asparagus.
Probiotics can help with weight loss by controlling appetite, reducing stress, and improving gut health. However, don’t rely on probiotics alone for weight loss. Use them as an addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplement or pills.