Weight loss and your gut bacteria

Can you alter your gut bacteria (microbiota) to lose weight? Is there a link between the microbiota and weight gain? Let’s take a glance at what the scientific research really shows.
The best scientific evidence to date shows there is no consistent correlation between weight gain and the microbiota. (1) (2) (3)
High-level evidence also suggests the microbiota does not cause weight gain. (4) One review paper even suggested – that in humans the alterations in gut microbiota are an association with rather than the cause of weight gain. (5) These findings indicate that microbiota testing has little benefit in treating weight gain.
This is confirmed by the research showing poor results when manipulating the microbiota in attempts to treat weight gain:

• Prebiotics: The best results achieved was 2.3 pounds of weight loss. (6)
• Probiotics: Studies achieved 2.2 lbs. with Lactobacillus gasseri and 3.7 lbs. with Lactobacillus rhamnosus. (7) (8)
• Fibre: The best results have been with the fiber glucomannan (7g/day) showing 8.36 pounds more weight loss than a low-calorie diet alone. (9) One review showed fiber’s average weight loss effect was 4.2 lbs. (10)
• Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT): A study was performed where the feces of lean men was transplanted into recipients who were overweight and had high blood sugar levels. (11) Unfortunately, there was no change in weight or body fat.

Most of the confusion about the microbiota in weight gain comes from:

1. Misinterpreting human data. For example, thinking those in the US should have the same microbiota as Africans; the microbiota that helps African’s may make those in the US constipated and fat. (12)
2. Over-extrapolation of data from animal studies. (13)
3. Examining only one side of the data.
4. The small intestine is not tested in current microbiota testing. The small intestine is responsible for 90% of caloric absorption and represents over 56% of the digestive tract. (14) The small intestine is also more prone to leaky gut and likely has the largest impact on your immune system.

Disclaimer

This article in not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Bad gut bacteria linked to Diabetes and Heart Disease

Health problems such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, periodontal disease, stroke, and heart disease are all rooted in inflammation, which must be properly addressed if you wish to be healed.

Research suggests there’s a connection between certain types of bacteria and body fat that produces a heightened inflammatory response and drives the inflammatory process.

Superantigens—toxic molecules produced by pathogenic bacteria such as staph—may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes through their effect on fat cells.

Your oral health can have a significant impact on your cardiovascular and heart health. In a recent study, improved gum health was shown to significantly slow down the progression of atherosclerosis.

Periodontal disease is the result of the colonization of certain pathogenic bacteria in your mouth. This bacterial profile is influenced by the microflora in your gut.

Dominick Hussey

Osteopath and Functional Medicine Practitioner

Ottawa Holistic Wellness Centre

Source: Mercola.com

Why Our Children Are Becoming Obese.

The documentary Killer at Large investigates the topic of obesity, a problem of truly epic proportions where misinformation is a major driver of its skyward trend.

Conventional diet and health recommendations are grossly flawed. Obesity and related health problems are directly attributable to improper diet—a diet too high in carbs and poor-quality proteins, and too low in healthy fats.

Calorie counting has been firmly debunked by science. It is FAR more important to look at the source of the calories than counting them. You get fat because you eat the wrong kind of calories.

First and foremost, a healthy diet is based on fresh whole, preferably organic foods, and foods that have been minimally processed.

Dominick Hussey

Osteopath and Functional Medicine Practitioner

Osteopathy and Functional Medicine

Ottawa Holistic Wellness Centre

Source: Mercola.com