Just when you thought all you had to worry about was getting in your workouts and healthy food. Now, gut bacteria has entered the scene as another reason for being unable to lose fat.
Obesity has risen to an epidemic status and scientists are turning their attention to gut bacteria as the cause. Research indicates a link to the trillions of microbes populating our gut and their relation to human metabolism and adipose (fat).
This could get really complicated with lots of biological terminologies, but let's keep it simple with a clear understanding of what's going on in our gut. We begin forming gut bacteria from birth and our microbial balance is established from our food and environment. Think of good fighting evil continuously in our gut. When bad bacteria triumphs over good, an ugly imbalance occurs.
A study published by the Department of Microbiology, Cornell University suggests “the microbiota can influence host adiposity through energy extraction from the diet”. Simply stated, bad gut bacteria can alter our metabolism so we convert food to stored fat....
Written by
BadHare
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
This article is very interesting - thank you. I've highlighted, copied and pasted the last section word for word, as I would like to remember the points raised there:
"Bad gut bacteria feed off diets high in saturated fat and low in fruits and vegetables. This diminishes the growth of good gut bacteria. It will be important to implement changes to start forming good gut bacteria and stimulate weight loss.
The following tips will be helpful:
Healthy Nutrition: eat a high fiber, whole foods diet. Incorporate foods like beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, all of which feed good gut bacteria.
Eliminate Processed Foods: keep sugar intake, animal fats, and processed foods to an absolute minimum or eliminate completely to encourage the growth of good bacteria.
Pre and Probiotics: research is currently in its infancy as to how best to colonize the gut with truly effective flora. Supplementing with pre-and probiotics are under the research microscope as one of the ways to improve gut bacteria and digestive health. Probiotics are harmless and may possibly create a happy environment for good gut bacteria. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements including pre and probiotics.
Things to Avoid: Avoid the use of antibiotics, acid blockers, and anti-inflammatories which destroy good and bad bacteria and do not create a favorable gut environment. Antibiotics should only be used when necessary and prescribed by a physician."
Mel - I have been thinking about gut bacteria and trying to find ways to promote my own - I have started drinking Kefir daily now, and also try to have fermented foods - not got round to making any of those myself yet - must try to do that.
I have a lot of saturated fat as kefir prefers whole milk. I have some new grains, so I'm now eating it twice daily.
As a vegetarian, eating prebiotic foods is part of the diet, though I know a few that eat junk. My diet is also very high in good fats from nuts & seeds, olive & coconut oil, & avocados when I can afford them. I avoid inflammatory fats from oils such as sunflower & corn oil that are still peddled as healthy. The food industry has a lot to answer for!
I will definitely be looking into making some Kefir - I must give it a go, as it would be cheaper if I made it myself - thanks for the tip that kefir prefers whole milk.
I also enjoy lots of good fats from nuts and seeds, olive oil, etc
You absolutely should make your own kefir. You can use whatever dairy-free milk you like and you can leave it to ferment as long as you like. I have half a glass every morning with my breakfast and it's quite nice. Pickled vegetables are also very good sources of probiotics. Pickled cucumber is my favourite, I can't believe I used to take them out of over burger I got from McDonald's
There's fewer probiotics in non-dairy kefir, & a considerbly lower nutritional value at a higher cost. I've not read anywhere that contains vitamin K2, which is one of my main reasons for drinking it. The lactobacillus & yeasts don't grow as well in substrates other than organic milk. Some people who are lactose intolerant can eat kefir as the lactose is the kefir's food source.
You're completely right. I have IBS though, so any milk from a cow or goat does bad things to my gut. Sure, dairy-free milks aren't as beneficial when used for making kefir, but I think of it as my breakfast drink which is much healthier than standard tea or coffee
Raw milk has lots of beneficial bacteria, alone. I used to get raw when I lived elsewhere, but it was already turning sour when delivered in summer. I've read it makes better kefir, but keep forgetting to order it during winter.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Is lab grown meat the future? 
Saturated fat: extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof
