Can probiotics be used for weight loss? Recent studies in humans and animals suggest that the gut microbiota is one of the potential determinants of obesity.

In this guide, find out how to choose the best probiotic for weight loss, what experiences say, and how these good microorganisms actually help melt fat deposits.

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How to choose the best probiotic for weight loss?

The best probiotic for weight loss is the one with a good ratio of price, quality and scientific studies carried out by the manufacturer to prove the effectiveness of the product.

Before we state which quality they are Probiotics For weight loss, we will briefly go over what probiotics are and how they can help with weight loss.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, if consumed in the appropriate dose as a food supplement, have a positive effect on the host's health.
- World Health Organization (WHO)

Probiotics are usually bacteria, but certain types of yeast can also function as probiotics. There are other microorganisms being studied in the gut, including viruses, fungi, archaea, and protozoa.

You can get probiotics from food supplements, but also from food that has undergone bacterial fermentation.

Probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, cheese, yeast, apple cider vinegar, and others. Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics, which are carbohydrates, often dietary fiber, that help feed good gut bacteria.

Every part of the human body that is in contact with the environment is colonized by microorganisms, and the set of all microorganisms that are associated with numerous tissues (skin, respiratory and digestive systems and the vaginal tract) is called microbiota.

Dysbiosis is an imbalance of the microbiota and is associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer and diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, asthma, psoriasis, insulin resistance and diabetes, depression, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and many others.

Ph.D. Nina Bašić Marković, doctor in the family medicine practice

How do probiotics affect weight loss and body weight?

Researchers have identified a link between the gut microbiome – a term that refers to the entire gut habitat, including microorganisms, such as bacteria, and their genes – and body weight.

Over 100 billion bacteria inhabit our intestines, including genera of bacteria such as Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria and Cyanobacteria.

Certain studies have shown that people with obesity have a higher ratio of bacteria firmicutes i Bacteroidetes in the intestines.

A 2019 analysis that included twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 821 participants found that those participants who received probiotic supplements experienced significantly greater reductions in body weight, waist circumference, body fat, and body fat index (BMI) than control groups.

Researchers consider probiotics to help with weight loss by:

They increase the number of bacteria with a source of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that increase the oxidation of fatty acids and reduce fat storage
They affect appetite and metabolism
They reduce fat accumulation
They regulate anti-inflammatory genes
They improve insulin sensitivity

What is the best probiotic for weight loss? (product recommendations)

When choosing a probiotic, factors such as the quality of the probiotic, dosage, and regularity should be considered. When choosing a probiotic, look for a manufacturer whose products are backed by clinical studies. Check the manufacturer's website or product description to see if the products are "scientifically proven."

Probiotics for weight loss should contain a combination of strains that provide the desired effect. Our microbiota is made up of thousands of different probiotic strains that are good for our health.

To recognize the characteristics of probiotics, pay attention to the genus, species and strain, e.g. Genus – Lactobacillus; species - I reutered; strain designation – 1224. Today, it is accepted that probiotic properties are strain-specific. You are looking for a dietary supplement with diverse combinations of strains.

Probiotic formulations aimed at establishing a balance in the intestines and specially selected probiotic fibers that will help excrete sugar from the body are a suitable choice.

Overweight people have a different intestinal flora than people who do not suffer from this problem, that is, they have more Firmicutes compared to Bacteroides.

OMNi-BiOTiC Metabolic

OMNi-BiOTiC, Metabolic, 30 Sachets, “Calorie Hunter”

OMNi-BiOTiC Metabolic was developed in a special five-year study to eliminate the imbalance between the bacteria that make us thin (bacteroids) and those that deposit fat deposits (firmicuti). Three billion active ones help prevent the “yo-yo effect”.

EnteroSatys

EnteroSatys, 60 Capsules, Probiotic For Appetite Regulation

EnteroSatys is an appetite-regulating probiotic. It acts as a molecular mimetic of the satiety hormone, thereby directly helping to regulate appetite and reduce calorie intake.

OMNi-LOGiC

OMNi-LOGiC, Apple Pectin, 180 Capsules, Fat Loss, Food For Good Bacteria

The prebiotic OMNi-LOGiC APPLE PECTIN is an ideal food source for Bacteroides – good bacteria that support the excretion of sugar from the body. If Bacteroides have enough available apple pectin, they multiply and become permanent residents of our body. Apple pectin is an ideal food source for BacteroidsWhen these bacteria have enough food, they multiply and help the body get rid of excess sugar instead of storing it.

Biorela Total

Biorela, Total, 30 or 60 Capsules, To Increase Good Bacteria

Biorela total is a combination of 15 strains of good bacteria. It is used to daily increase the number and diversity of good bacteria in the digestive system.

Although not primarily intended for weight loss, Biorela Total It can help with stress and improper diet, which are often hidden causes of weight gain.

How to choose and use probiotics?

To achieve the best results, please note the following:

Quality and strains: Not all probiotics are the same. Look for specific strains (e.g. Lactobacillus reuteri) that are associated with metabolic health.
Regularity: Probiotics work best when taken continuously, usually in the morning on an empty stomach or before bed.
Diet: Reduce your intake of refined sugars and processed foods because they feed "bad" bacteria that promote weight gain.

Conclusion

The optimal way to consume probiotics also involves taking care of the place where they live – your body. The best probiotic for weight loss is one that combines quality strains with your commitment to a healthier diet. By consuming healthy fats, fiber, and prebiotics, you will create an environment in which the “skinny” bacteria will dominate.

It is important to reduce the intake of processed food and refined sugars, which have a negative impact on good bacteria and which feed potential pathogens.

For people with specific health conditions, we recommend consulting a doctor or pharmacist before introducing dietary supplements.

More recommendations for probiotics

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Literature

Zhi-Bin Wang,¹Shan-Shan Xin,²Li-Na Ding,¹Wen-Yu Ding,¹Yan-Li Hou,¹Chang-Qing Liu,¹and Xian-Dang Zhang. The Potential Role of Probiotics in Controlling Overweight/Obesity and Associated Metabolic Parameters in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 2019.