Why your gut health is one of the most important keys to weight loss

Weight loss can be hard and confusing. There is so much information out there it’s hard to know what to do…the diet that worked for your best friend, the information you heard recently on a podcast, the old strategies you’ve tried in the past. Sometimes, you try all of it and none of it works, and it’s only getting harder now you’ve hit mid-life.

Did you ever stop to think how your gut might be influencing your weight?

Well you should, because there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that gut microbiota plays an important role in body weight regulation. If you’re one of the 50% of Australians that experiences gut health problems (think bloating, reflux, indigestion, loose stools, constipation, food reactions and the list goes on) then it could mean it’s time to take a look at your gut health to help get to the bottom of other health issues you may have.

In terms of weight and our gut, here is what we know…

Your gut bacteria can help extract extra energy from the food you consume

Not really a helpful attribute thank you very much bacteria! However, there are certain types of gut bacteria that are more efficient at absorbing extra calories from your food, which can then contribute to weight gain.

Your gut bacteria influences inflammation

The composition of the gut microbiota itself can impact inflammation which is a hidden factor in weight gain. A diverse and balanced microbiota is generally associated with lower levels of inflammation, while dysbiosis, or imbalance in gut bacteria, can lead to increased inflammation. Certain species of bacteria produce chemicals called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) which cause inflammation that may contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance.

Your gut bacteria can influence how hungry or full you feel

Ever felt like your hunger levels are out of control? Your gut might be part of the reason. Your body produces hormones that affect your appetite (including leptin and ghrelin), and gut bacteria can affect how many of these hormones are produced and their sensitivity, therefore influencing whether you feel hungry or full.

The great news? There’s lots we can do to improve gut health through what we eat, and specific prebiotic supplements, but that’s a whole article in itself so you will need to stay tuned for that!

For those that need, we can get even more specific with manipulating the microbiome thanks to advanced metagenomics sequencing testing. You can learn which microorganisms are in your gut, their effect on your health and any overgrowths contributing to problems. From the report, I can then analyse and develop a specific dietary and supplemental plan to bring the microbiome into balance to help reach your health goals.

Let me know if you want to see a sample of the report and I might pop one in the next newsletter…I find it fascinating, just not sure if anyone else would!