The Microbiome’s Effects on Weight

MicrobiomeWeightJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), growing evidence suggests that one’s gut microbes effect an individual’s ability to extract nutrients and energy from the diet. Researchers who focus on determining how the microbial makeup influences health and disease have found that diet plays an important role in shaping the ecology and function of the microbiome. Ongoing studies continue to investigate the role of the microbiome in overall health, as well as in the context of metabolic disorders such as obesity. Co-author of a small Danish study, Professor Anew Astrup of the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark explained, “Human intestinal bacteria have been linked to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, but it is only now that we have a breakthrough demonstrating that certain bacterial species play a decisive role in weight regulation and weight loss.”

The study involving 84 obese adults was recently published in the International Journal of Obesity. It looked at how a person’s intestinal flora influenced weight reduction. Some participants followed Danish national dietary guidelines believed to promote the maintenance of a healthy body mass index. Their diet emphasized fruits, vegetables, fiber and whole grains. Others followed the average Danish diet, which typically contains more meat and processed foods. The researchers found that one size does not fit all when it comes to dietary guidance and recommendations for weight loss. The study revealed that the types and proportions of certain gut bacteria may be responsible for how much weight individuals were able to lose, and under what circumstances, including following particular dietary guidelines.

After 24 weeks, the study concluded that about half of the participants following the dietary guidelines lost some weight, while others remained unaffected. Those who did lose weight had a higher ratio of Prevotella (beneficial organisms) to Bacteroides (pathogens) residing in their gut. Microbiologists have reported that humanity can be roughly divided into three enterotypes, or classifications based on which living organisms dominate the bacteriological ecosystem in the gut microbiome: Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, or Prevotella. Researchers have found that dietary intake of meat, fats, carbohydrates and alcohol appears to influence the type of bacteria colonizing the intestines. People who eat a lot of meat and saturated fat tended to have more Bacteroides in their flora; Ruminococcus prevailed in people who consumed lots of alcohol and polyunsaturated fats; whereas Prevotella favored a diet rich in carbohydrates.

Changing the diet to shift the species of the microbiome looks promising, but it may take long-term dietary intervention. The role of microbial manipulation in disease and obesity management continues to evolve, as scientists review the role of gut microbiota alterations/maintenance as a significant factor in determining health or disease states. The microbiome encompasses a wide variety of bacteria that have a vital role in digestion, fermentation of unused energy substrates, and immune system maintenance, as well as vitamin and enzyme synthesis. Our metabolically active gut microbes are influenced not only by diet but also by the environment, genetics, stress, medications and exercise.

If you have successfully made the switch from an unhealthy western diet to a healthier more plant-based diet and are not seeing the changes you had hoped for, it could be that the gut microbiome is preventing weight loss. Still, a plant-based diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, and low in animal products and refined carbohydrates is considered one of the best options for weight maintenance and disease risk reduction. If you are dieting unsuccessfully or have reached a weight loss plateau, it could be that the microbiota is slowly shifting and becoming accustomed to a plant-based diet. In the future, weight loss plans may be based on an individuals own gut bacteria, using a targeted approach, such as probiotics, to change the makeup of the microbiome.

Tips to improve gut flora for more optimal health and function:

  • Include prebiotic fiber in the diet to feed, stimulate and promote the colonization of friendly bacteria. Prebiotic-rich food sources include bananas, garlic, onions, asparagus, apples, flax seeds and many more.
  • Add probiotic foods and supplements into the diet to support and restore the natural balance of gut flora especially after disruption by illness, treatment, poor diet, or travel. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut and kefir.
  • Reduce stress that may negatively impact gastrointestinal health both short and long-term. Chronic stress can lead to inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, acid reflux and other unhealthy gut conditions.
  • The why and how are not fully understood, yet exercising regularly is believed to increase bacterial diversity, while improving overall health and body composition.
  • Improve and diversify the diet, preferably by getting plenty of whole foods daily to positively impact beneficial bacteria and reduce the growth of harmful microbes.
  • Spend time in nature and let fresh air into your home to take advantage of healthy environmental impact on microbiota.

Professional Supplement Center carries many fine quality products for support of overall health and a healthy microbiome:

Prebiotic Superfoods...Prebiotic Superfoods Drink Mix by Enzymedica®: This powdered formula provides a superfood blend of fruits, vegetables and botanicals to nourish the microbiome, aid digestion and energy production, and optimally support the digestive system. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO formulation.

Prebiotin Prebiotic...Prebiotin Prebiotic Fiber by Prebiotin™: This medically researched prebiotic powdered fiber supplement supports health and immunity by nourishing beneficial bacteria.  All natural and gluten free, Prebiotin supports calcium absorption, healthy colon microflora, cardiovascular health and weight management. 100% natural oligofructose enriched inulin. No additional ingredients. Vegetarian formulation.

Actiflora plus...Actiflora+ Prebiotic and Probiotic by Kendy Nutraceuticals: This proprietary patented blend provides a minimum of 45 billion viable probiotic cells, as well as inulin prebiotic, in support of an optimally functioning digestive tract. Gluten free, vegetarian formulation.

Proflora ProbioticProflora™ Probiotic by Guna Biotherapies: These premium pre- and probiotic sachets are formulated with 6 probiotic strains providing a minimum of 2 billion living cells per serving. This product supports healthy intestinal flora balance for a well-functioning digestive tract. Allergen free formulation.

References:
The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Gastrointestinal Disease. https://www.nature.com/articles/ctg201516
Influence of the Microbiome on the Metabolism of Diet and Dietary Components. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK154098/
Gut flora dictates how much weight we can lose. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319411.php
How Your Gut Bacteria Can Influence Your Weight. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-bacteria-and-weight
Your Gut Bacteria May Make It Harder to Lose Weight. https://www.livescience.com/63232-your-gut-bacteria-weight-loss.html
Prevotella-to-Bacteroides ratio predicts body weight and fat loss success on 24-week diets varying in macronutrient composition and dietary fiber: results from a post-hoc analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29777234
Your Gut Bacteria Are What You Eat. http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2011/09/your-gut-bacteria-are-what-you-eat