Probiotics for Weight Loss Results – Does it Work?

The link between probiotics and weight loss is relatively new but profoundly significant.

Studies show that the gut microflora of obese individuals differs significantly from the flora of their thinner counterparts.

Spurred by this finding, many people who are trying to lose weight have begun taking probiotics with hopes of altering the balance of microbes residing within their gut.

Most people aren’t getting the results they expected, though. The primary reason for disappointing outcomes may be the choice of probiotic microorganism, or formula, which has been added to their daily health regimen.

Taking the appropriate species and strains necessary to change the composition of the bacteria within the gastrointestinal system appears to be the key to microbiota-related weight loss.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Taking Probiotics for Weight Loss

Diets high in fat and low in fiber promote the growth of certain, often unhealthy, bacterial species. Poor dietary habits also inhibit the growth of other microbes known to be beneficial for good health and weight maintenance.

Theoretically, it may be possible to alter the microbiota within the gut to better promote a more healthy weight and overall better health. So, how can it be done?

In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in January, 2014, research subjects were recruited for a 24-week weight loss study. Trial participants included 125 women and men, all whom were clinically overweight.

During the first 12 weeks of the study, all participants adhered to a weight loss plan. In addition, half the participants were also given two pills containing a strain of probiotic bacteria in the Lactobacillus rhamnosus family while the remaining participants received pills containing only a placebo.

For the next 12 weeks, the study aimed at maintaining body weight without requiring subjects to adhere to a specific dietary plan.

Reported Research Results

At the end of the first half of the study which focused on a weight-loss diet, the average weight loss of the women in the probiotic group was 10 pounds (4.4 kilograms), while the average weight loss of women in the placebo group was 6 pounds (2.6 kilograms).

Among the male subjects in the study, no weight loss differences were noted between probiotic and placebo groups.

This may have been due to dosage requirements for the different genders, or some other unknown reason.

In any case, the beneficial results related to probiotic supplementation appeared to affect only the women in the study.

Among the female participants, however, another intriguing observation was noted at the end of the final 12-week “weight maintenance cycle”. The women in the probiotic group continued losing weight while the women in the placebo merely maintained their weight loss.

In the end, the probiotic group of females lost an average weight of 11 pounds (5.2 kilograms) over the entire 24-week period.

Researchers also noted a decrease in the hormone which regulates appetite, known as leptin, as well as a decrease in the intestinal microflora concentration of bacteria known to be related to obesity.

Researchers suggest the Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacterial strain administered during the study may be changing the intestinal wall permeability by creating a better barrier which keeps inflammatory molecules from entering the circulatory system.

This may affect glucose intolerance, obesity and possibly even type 2 diabetes. In other words, by changing the composition of bacteria in the gut, probiotics may be able to alter how certain nutrients and molecules we digest are absorbed into the body.

This could result in improved weight management or promote weight loss in overweight and obese individuals.

Other Benefits of Probiotic Supplementation

Using probiotics for weight loss can have unexpected benefits, as well. Many health conscious individuals have added a daily probiotic supplement to their daily nutrition regimen to improve digestive health, increase appropriate immune response and to help with instances of diarrhea, constipation or gas.

Many doctors recommend a probiotic be taken immediately following a course of antibiotic treatment in order to aid in the restoration of healthy microflora throughout the GI tract.

Antibiotics not only kill off the pathogenic bacteria which cause illness and infection, but knock out many of the helpful microbes necessary for good digestion and health, too.

Side Effects

Most individuals can take probiotic supplements for weight loss without experiencing any side effects.

Occasionally, bloating or gas may be experienced during the initial supplementation period but these symptoms usually subside with continued use.

Individuals who are lactose intolerant may experience gas with certain strains of probiotics.

People whose immune systems are known to be compromised should not take probiotics unless under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Individuals with artificial heart valves are cautioned to talk to their doctor before commencing a course of probiotic therapy.

Should you Use Probiotics to Lose Weight?

Studies linking the composition of the gut flora and obesity suggest that by altering the microflora within the intestinal tract, weight loss may become easier and may be able to be sustained over time.

Not all probiotic bacteria are linked to obesity and weight loss, though. At this time, certain strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus have been shown to improve both weight loss and weight-loss maintenance. Look for supplements and capsules that contain this strain of bacteria.

The connection between probiotics and diets for weight loss is currently the subject of many studies and clinical trials.

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