What you should know before taking probiotics if you want to lose weight

You have tried everything: do a lot exercise, diets of all kinds such as keto or Whole30, lemon juice in the morning, ephedrine supplements as soon as you wake up … but nothing has worked as expected. For a few months now you've heard that probiotics they can help you slim down, especially the abdominal areaIs it a new nonsense trend or does it really work?

As recognized by the WHO, several scientific studies suggest that “probiotics play an important role in immune, digestive and respiratory functions, and that could have a significant effect on the relief of infectious diseases in children and other high-risk groups. ”

Also certain studies suggest that the use of lactobacilli and probiotic metabolic by-products could prove beneficial for the heart and even serve as a prevention and therapy for several ischemic heart disease syndromes. The importance of the microbiota is being investigated daily. Thousands of scientists study its effects, ranging from something as simple as a good intestinal transit to the prevention of metabolic or even neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. And not only this, now also to lose weight.

What is true?

The doctor Scott Kahan, director of the National Weight and Welfare Center, explains to 'Men's Health' that there are numerous studies that confirm the relationship between intestinal bacteria and a healthy weight. "In general, people who are overweight have a poorer quality microbiota and in which there are more harmful germs, "he explains.

More and more scientific evidence suggests that obesity is, in part, an inflammatory disease

Nevertheless, Abby Langer, nutrition expert, says that experts do not know if changes in weight cause differences in intestinal bacteria or if it is the microbiota itself that affects weight. "We cannot determine cause and effect. We still lack data," he says.

"The accumulated fat in the abdomen has a scientific explanation and the fault is in the intestinal bacteria. The combination of molecules produced by those of 500 pairs of twins that we analyzed allowed us to build a huge database of all these substances. Thanks to them, we have been able to reveal that the chemical compounds produced by them regulate the accumulation of lipids in the wind "assures Tim Spector, from King’s College London, author of the book ‘The myth of diets’.

In fact, as the scientist clarifies Kristina Campbell, specialized in communication about intestinal microbiota, digestive health and nutrition and author of the successful book ‘Well-Fed Microbiome Cookbook’, “there is more and more scientific evidence to suggest that obesity is, in part, a inflammatory disease ".

Focus on prebiotics

Some health and nutrition experts suggest that our approach should focus less on probiotics and more in prebiotics, fiber compounds from which healthy intestinal bacteria feed. Your sources include Fruits, vegetables and oatmeal. They are low in calories, which means they are beneficial for our waistlines and for our overall health.

The accumulated fat in the abdomen has a scientific explanation and the fault lies in the intestinal bacteria

Further, Bethany DoerflerGastroenterologist explains that researchers believe that these fiber-rich foods produce fatty acids in our bodies, which increase levels of GLP 1, a hormone found in the intestines. The more we produce it, the less hungry we are, which leads to weight loss.

The expert recommends taking At least one serving of oatmeal and barley a day. She explains that these carbohydrates are more beneficial than other types of whole grains because they are loaded with soluble fiber, which helps you go to the bathroom. In addition, it would be ideal to take three to four pieces of fruit and a lot of vegetables in the food. "And for dessert choose yogurt to get a healthy dose of probiotics, "he ends.