How Probiotics Can Help You Lose Weight
Probiotics are live microorganisms that have health benefits when eaten. They are found in both supplements and fermented foods. Probiotics may improve digestive health, heart health and immune function, to name a few.
Several studies also suggest that probiotics can help you lose weight and belly fat.
Gut Bacteria May Affect Body Weight Regulation
There are hundreds of different microorganisms in your digestive system. The majority of these are bacteria, most of which are friendly. Friendly bacteria produce several important nutrients, including vitamin K and certain B-vitamins. They also help break down fibre that the body can't digest, turning it into beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
There are two main families of good bacteria in the gut: bacteroidetes and firmicutes. Body weight seems be related to the balance of these two families of bacteria.
How Can Probiotics Affect Changes in Weight?
It is thought that certain probiotics may inhibit the absorption of dietary fat, increasing the amount of fat excreted with faeces.
Probiotics may also fight obesity in other ways:
Probiotics may help release the satiety (appetite-reducing) hormone GLP-1. Increased levels of this hormone may help you burn calories and fat.
Probiotics may increase levels of a specific protein and this can lead to decreased fat storage.
There is also a lot of evidence that obesity is linked to inflammation in the brain. By improving gut health, probiotics may reduce systemic inflammation and protect against obesity and other diseases.
Summary
Probiotics may reduce the number of calories you absorb from food. They also affect hormones and proteins related to appetite and fat storage. They may also reduce inflammation, which can drive obesity.