Nothing is more disheartening than committing to exercise and healthy eating only to see the scale stuck at a number you don’t want to see. If you have hit a weight loss plateau, the answer may go much deeper than how many calories you are consuming and burning. More studies are showing that those last stubborn ten pounds are the result of the kinds of foods you are eating and how they affect your gut. Tiny bacteria could be sabotaging your diet and making sure that those skinny jeans stay in the closet.
Recent studies into the relationship between gut bacteria, weight and weight related diseases have unearthed some interesting findings. One study looked at the number of different bacteria types in the digestive systems of participants. They found that those with a low bacteria count were more likely to be obese and to put on weight faster. In addition, low bacteria counts were also tied to chronic diseases such as high cholesterol, insulin resistance and diabetes.
What wasn’t initially clear from these results was whether obesity was causing low bacteria counts or whether poor gut health was leading to obesity. To help clarify this issue, one study fed participants and high fat and high cholesterol breakfast every day for a month. Results showed that certain foods triggered the body’s immune response, which decreased good bacteria levels and increased harmful inflammation.
While there is still a lot to learn about the body’s digestive system, researchers are confident that a balanced gut not only improves overall health, but also allows you to lose weight. So how do you improve your bacteria levels and tap into your body’s true potential?
1. Consider adding foods that are rich in probiotics and prebiotics to your diet. These will both help digestion and work to repopulate the good bacteria in your gut.
2. Add more fiber to your diet. High fiber foods can actually promote the growth of anti-inflammatory bacteria.
3. Expand your horizons and eat a wider variety of food.
4. Introduce natural products such as the CharcoCaps® dietary supplement that work to rid your digestive system of toxins and restore a state of balance.
Harnessing the power of your digestive system may be the key to shedding those last pounds. With a few dietary changes and the help of CharcoCaps® dietary supplement, you can overcome that weight loss plateau and reduce your risk for chronic, weight related diseases.