I am very honored to publish this article contributed by Isabel Lane.
Did you know that good gut health can pave the way to weight loss?
A recent study by the researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle looked into how differences in gut microbiota composition could affect the body’s reaction to weight-loss interventions.
The researchers started by identifying the most abundant genes in people’s gut microbiota before beginning a weight loss program. They were then able to determine the functional profile of the entire gut microbiome based on the biological functions that these genes perform.
They discovered that an individual’s ability to lose weight was predicted by the functional profile of gut microbiota genes at the start of the weight loss program. The scientists noted a difference in the number of microbiome genes that affect human metabolism between those who lost weight and those who were resistant to losing weight.
What does this all mean?
Basically, it concludes that to lose weight more effectively, we must first consider the microbiome in our gut. Here are three important gut-healing habits that can help you lose weight.
Start with what you eat
Fermented food and superfoods that have probiotics and are gluten-free are your best bet for good gut health. Fermented foods are probiotic-rich foods full of good bacteria that give our microbiome a healthy balance.
At the same time, superfoods are nutrient-dense, and you can intake them in the form of a vitamin or part of your daily diet. Also, stay away from inflammatory foods like sugar, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, and dairy.
They are known to wreak havoc in our gut as they can kill off good bacteria.
Try to relax and relieve yourself from stress
Our brain and gut are in continuous communication. When you’re stressed, your gut can sense it as well. Have you ever experienced butterflies in your stomach as a result of being nervous? How about when something goes wrong, and you get that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach?
These are only a few instances of gut-brain communication.
When you’re anxious, you’re also more prone to overeat or go for comfort foods. Research suggests that stress has an effect on our gut health.
Leaky gut syndrome sometimes coincides with a person who has experienced chronic stress. So be kind to yourself and remember to pause every once in a while to de-stress.
Get plenty of sleep
Your body has a chance to repair and recover while you sleep. The link between sleep and gut health is reciprocal.
Sleep issues can be caused by an unhealthy gut microbiome. But your sleep and circadian rhythms can also affect the health and diversity of your flora.
Sleep deprivation can have a detrimental impact on your gut health and harm your microbiome. And if your goal is to lose weight, then having good quality sleep is essential.
Obesity and metabolic disorders can be caused by disrupted sleep and misaligned circadian rhythms.
Final Note
These are just simple ways that you can jumpstart your journey to optimal gut health and eventually guide you on your weight loss journey. But if all else fails, we suggest having yourself checked for gut or overall health problems.
Leave a Reply