It seems that the use of probiotics is increasingly being used to treat conditions such as antibiotic resistance, IBS, constipation and other ailments. However, do they really work to help people lose weight? The answer depends on the condition or disease, and the role of the bacterium involved. In some situations they can help, in others they will not.
Probiotic bacteria are present in the gastrointestinal tract. They serve a beneficial role in this environment by producing short chain fatty acids which are gas precursors. These bacteria are also found in the vagina, where they are responsible for the maintenance of healthy bacteria levels. In addition to their role in the intestine, however, they play an important role in maintaining other aspects of the immune and gastrointestinal system. Therefore, even if they cannot help you to lose weight directly, they can enhance your health and help you to prevent conditions which may make it difficult or even impossible to do so.
How do probiotics work to promote good overall health, and aid in weight loss? The most common cause of bacterial imbalance is the overgrowth of one particular strain of yeast or bacteria. Typically this strain is called Candida and is often a problem for people who consume too much refined sugar or eat a lot of foods that are high in fat. This group includes most people who are overweight. When the balance of good and bad bacteria is upset and begins to shift, the production of yeast increases, and the resulting infection make it difficult to get rid of.
An additional benefit of probiotics is that they can help to restore the normal microflora levels in the gut. It is well known that the average human gut has about two hundred different kinds of microorganisms. Of these, about half are necessary for maintaining good overall health, while the rest are considered neither good nor bad, but merely average.
As we age, our bodies begin to lose the ability to maintain these balances, and the number of probiotics required to maintain normal levels of flora can decrease. In addition, many people also have their immune systems weaken with age, which can reduce their ability to fight off infection. By taking probiotics, we can supplement the missing bacteria in our systems and keep our bodies in balance. If you have lost or gained weight in the past, and your doctor has recommended that you take probiotics, they may have told you that they would also be beneficial in helping you lose weight. Probiotics can actually help you lose weight.
How can probiotics help you lose weight? In addition to helping to restore the microflora in your gut, the supplementation also contains some other beneficial bacteria that can help your body to absorb nutrients more effectively and help you burn stored fat more efficiently. The probiotics also stimulate activity in the digestive tract so that fat is more easily burned. This leads to an increase in metabolism and the breakdown of body fat. Some studies even show that taking Lactobacillus can help to reduce the absorption of glucose from dairy products, although this is an undesirable side effect as sugar levels in the bloodstream should be closely monitored.
Some studies also indicate that Lactobacillus can promote weight loss in its own right, without the aid of diet or exercise. One study actually found that Lactobacillus can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of cancer in overweight or obese men and women. It is likely that the probiotic bacteria are activating the appropriate set of hormones in the body to promote weight loss rather than directly affecting weight gain per se.
Can probiotics make you lose weight? Yes, they probably can, but only in the most part. The beneficial bacteria in probiotics are important for your overall health. If you are in poor health or a medical situation, then taking a supplement may be of some benefit to you. However, if you are healthy and exercising regularly, then probiotics are not going to have a significant effect on your body.
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