Obesity may be the result of disturbances in the intestinal bacterial flora. Its content and influence on the feeling of hunger, satiety and digestive processes have recently become the subject of many scientific studies.
Why the idea thatobesitymay be dependent ongut microbiota ? The intestines are extremely important in the digestive process. There are hundreds of different strains of bacteria in our intestines, especially in the large intestine. A newborn's digestive system is sterile, but it develops microflora shortly after birth. It changes throughout the rest of its life, incl. depending on the diet, living conditions, taking medications and antibiotics.
Intestines absorb nutrients and water
As you know, the most important function of the intestines is the absorption of nutrients and water. The main role played by the microflora in the large intestine is fermentation, which takes place during the digestive process. As a result, dietary fiber is digested and that part of the food content that has not been digested in the small intestine.
During fermentation processes, the undigested part of the food is formed, among others, by lactic acid molecules and other short-chain fatty acids, incl. butyrylic acid (butyric acid), which improves the absorption of minerals and has a beneficial effect on the metabolism of lipids and glucose in the liver.
Can your gut flora make you eat more?
The results of a study conducted on mice, which were published in the scientific journal "Science" in 2010, show that the disturbance of the bacterial flora in the intestines of these animals led to obesity. The mice ate at least 10 percent. more food than their he althy cousins. The increased consumption was accompanied by other symptoms characteristic of obesity and metabolic disorders - hypertension, elevated lipid profile, high insulin, glycemia.
Mice with an imbalance of the bacterial flora more often and more easily developed various types of inflammation. They also had sugar metabolism disorders, which caused spikes of increased appetite. It was difficult for them to see when they were full as these mice had a disturbed appetite. So the scientists concluded that one of the important causes of obesity is an imbalance in the intestinal flora.
How to balance the florabacterial so as not to gain weight?
Unfortunately, despite the results of research published in Science, doctors are still far from drawing conclusions about the influence of gut bacteria on the development of overweight in humans. It will take a long time for these studies to be confirmed.
But while there is no official scientific position, it is a good idea to take these research results into account and try to maintain a biological balance in your gut. Especially if you have problems with appetite attacks, the feeling that you are already full, etc. The second undoubted benefit will be the increase in immunity, as the intestinal microflora is the basic factor determining the optimal functioning of the intestinal defense mechanism. Disturbances in the balance of the bacterial flora are often caused by diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, colon cancer and gastroenteritis.
Probiotics will help
Probiotics are all bacteria whose food has a positive effect on he alth (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains). They can be found in the form of capsules, as well as in some food products, especially dairy, subjected to the fermentation process - yoghurt, kefir.
To maintain the balance in the intestines, you should also eat prebiotics - i.e. fiber vegetable. It does not contain bacteria, but it is essential for maintaining the bacterial balance in the large intestine. Prebiotics are non-digestible parts of plants - plant fibers - contained in dietary fiber, which stimulate the growth and activity of the intestinal flora microorganisms. Natural prebiotics are found in onions, potatoes, bananas, chicory, and leeks. They can also be added to food, such as bread and biscuits.
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