Probiotics for dieting and digestive health have become extremely popular. They come in everything from foods and drinks to capsules you can swallow. This trend has taken off as the medical community discovers more about the importance of the gut’s microflora.
It feels like every day comes with a new discovery regarding the human microbiome. Good bacteria create a natural ecosystem on the skin and throughout the entire digestive system. Trillions of bacteria live in your gut alone. It’s natural to think that probiotics for dieting wills support this tiny universe and help you to lose weight.
The idea behind probiotics for dieting is to help to boost the good bacteria in your digestive system. This helps to overwhelm the harmful bacteria that can cause infections and disease. The stronger and more plentiful the good bacteria are the less room and food is available to the bad ones.
Research has shown that probiotic supplements and foods can support healthy immune function, better moods, improved skin and even healthy digestion. That said, whether or not you can use probiotics for dieting to lose weight is something medicine has yet to prove. There are many theories, but the research is considered incomplete at best.
It is understood that a healthy digestive system will contribute to better overall systems throughout the body. Gut health determines the rate of metabolism as well. Since a slow metabolism makes it hard to lose weight but easy to gain, a faster metabolism makes it easier to lose.
The question is whether taking probiotics for dieting makes enough of a difference to be able to measure it on the scale. Certainly, making sure you have a healthy microbiome will support your wellness and even help to make sure your metabolism is humming. However, whether or not it will change things to such a degree that you’ll see speedier fat burning in your weight tracking has yet to be proven.
That’s a question best left for your doctor. For one thing, there are many different strains of bacteria in probiotic products. They haven’t all been shown to have the same benefits. While some are meant to calm symptoms of IBS, others are designed to support women’s health. If you want to take probiotics for dieting, talk to your doctor to be sure you’re using the right strain for your unique medical, dietary and digestive needs.
* This article is for informational purposes only and not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medications, supplements, diet, or exercise routine.