As a dietitian/nutritionist I have visited with hundreds of clients over the years who just can’t seem to lose weight. They often seek me out since they are frustrated, exhausted, and confused as to why the “calories in vs. calories out” (AKA: diet approach) is not working. Weight loss is complex! It involves many factors such as your balance of hormones, stress, environmental factors, genetics, and yes… even the GUT!
My approach when meeting with a new client is to look at the “whole person” exploring in detail areas of their health and lifestyle to determine imbalances that may be contributing…and together find a solution!
Recent research suggests there is a positive-feedback loop between the foods you crave and the composition of the microbiotoa in your gut that that depend on those nutrients for their survival.
The Microbiota, involves the trillions of microbes that live in your gut. When the microbiome is healthy, you have a rock solid gut and therefore a better chance at regulating your weight. WHY? : 80% of your immune system is in your gut- and your gut microbes help to modulate this system’s activity.
When your microbiome is healthy, your immune system works optimally, and that means you have a lower risk of getting colds, the flu, autoimmune problems, and even cancer. (that is GOOD news!) You also digest your food better… and you know what that means (grin); less gas and bloating and fewer problems with constipation and diarrhea. AND…it means you get the nutrients your body needs!
Scientist Identify 4 Ways Gut Health Influences Weight
- Metabolism – Did you ever think that the microbes that thrive on sugar, could actually lead to your sugar cravings! Gut bacteria harvest energy from the food you eat. The bacteria living in your gut provide roughly 4-10% of your daily calories.
- Hormonal Balance – Gut bacteria regulate the release of gut hormones. These hormones control blood sugar, encourage satiety (feeling full) and reduce inflammation.
- Genetics – Your genome helps your inner ecosystem. For example, genetic mutations that affect levels of the “satiety” hormone leptin are associated with bacterial balance connected with obesity.
- Inflammation – Unhealthy gut bacteria produces toxins that trigger a systemic inflammatory response. Research shows that the levels of bacterial toxin are higher in those who struggle with obesity or Type II DM. In animal studies, high level of bacterial toxin will cause weight gain – without any changes in diet!
An unhealthy microbiome creates inflammation which over time may eventually allow toxins and undigested food particles to escape to your blood stream (not good!). This sends your immune system into hyperdrive, causing chronic, low-grade, system-wide inflammation that makes you sluggish and sick. It’s like a forest fire that never goes out. If you heal this inflammation, research shows the weight is more likely to fall off and you will feel younger and more energetic.
For those of you wondering…your calorie intake still likely factors into the overall equation for weight loss but is often not the ONLY piece to the puzzle. Keep in mind… if you are focusing on eating clean “whole foods” for a healthy gut, this approach will naturally help with weight loss and healthy metabolism.
(win-win!)
Next blog I will be sharing probiotic and prebiotic foods to stock up on so YOU can keep your GUT healthy!
ps. For those of you who received the October Newsletter I hope you are enjoying some GUT friendly recipes!
Stay tuned….
Until Then… Be good to your GUT, with Whole Foods that Heal!
Cheers! Julie
