According to new research, a lactobacillus (probiotic) dietary supplement would help people with a tendency to be overweight regain their optimal size.
In a 12-week study, subjects who consumed fermented milk products containing lactobacilli achieved a 4.6% reduction in abdominal fat and a 3.3% reduction in subcutaneous fat. In addition to the body weight lost and the decrease in waist circumference, the extended study shows that probiotics also reduce the number of adipocytes (fat cells).
Another piece of information that has come to light recently is that obese people have a different distribution of intestinal bacteria than slim people, and regardless of weight stature, few people seem to have an optimal bacterial balance in the intestines.
Our body contains about 100 trillion bacteria, which is more than 10 times the total number of cells.
Scientists estimate that the ratio of good to bad bacteria in our gut is 85/15 at best. It is therefore advisable to regularly replenish our flora with good bacteria, especially since 80% of the immune system's activity is located there. It is therefore a matter of maintaining your overall health and the general defense of your body against all diseases, including allergies, and not only in the digestive system.
Since it is currently known that certain harmful bacteria in the intestine cause damage to health in various ways and contribute to excess weight and difficulty in losing it.
A well-balanced intestinal flora contributes to the maintenance of the immune system, to the fight against the invasion of micro-organisms which can themselves be the cause of disease, to ideal digestion and to a good assimilation and absorption of food, carbohydrates, nutrients, vitamins and other essential minerals. It is obvious that a flora in perfect condition also allows the elimination of toxins and waste from the body in an adequate way.
An imbalance in the intestinal flora can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as gas, bloating, nausea, headaches, constipation or diarrhea, overweight or difficulty in losing weight, or inflammatory phenomena.
The researchers also found that healthy, average-weight 6- and 12-month-olds who were breastfed had twice the level of good bacteria as overweight children of the same age, while their level of harmful bacteria was significantly lower.
Probiotic intake has also been shown to be beneficial in metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin resistance or diabetes, which also often lead to excessive weight gain. Taking probiotics is also beneficial after childbirth to help women lose weight after the first trimester of breastfeeding.
In conclusion, intestinal bacteria play a hitherto unsuspected role in weight loss and gain.
Here is an essential property to add to those already numerous probiotics.
It is essential to realize that our intestinal flora is sensitive to our lifestyle. Indeed, if you eat a lot of prepared food, industrially processed food or too much sugar, it will feed bad bacteria and unhealthy yeast.
Good intestinal bacteria can also be destroyed by antibiotics, chlorinated water, antibacterial soap, pesticides and chemical additives, and any other pollution.
It is therefore obvious that we must maintain our intestinal flora on a regular basis by taking a supplement of high quality prebiotics and probiotics or by eating fermented foods.
Our ancestors ensured this maintenance by eating fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut, both rich in beneficial bacteria.
To continue in this way, it is necessary to opt for natural and not pasteurized traditional products since the pasteurization kills the natural probiotics.
To help your healthy gut bacteria thrive, you can also include in your diet lassi (a traditional Indian yogurt drink), fermented milk or yogurt, such as kephir, various fermented or marinated preparations of cabbage, turnips, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, squash and carrots, or natto (fermented soybeans).
If these foods are not part of your regular menu, or if you've recently had to take antibiotics or other chemical medications, then opt for a high-quality pre- and probiotic supplement that will give a beneficial boost to your beneficial gut bacteria. In your choice, remember to choose a food supplement that contains a sufficient number of healthy germs, but that also allows them to be transported to the intestine by keeping them alive.