Tiny Allies Could Revolutionize Weight Loss
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 6, 2024
We usually think of bacteria as the bad guys, right?
Well, plot twist! Some of those bugs are actually GOOD for us.
I’m talking about the friendly bacteria probiotics, of course. They hang out in your gut and help keep things running smoothly down there.
Now, in the ongoing battle against obesity, scientists are exploring this unexpected ally.
And a recent study has shed light on how specific probiotics might help with weight loss and heart health—offering hope to folks struggling with obesity.
Researchers decided to see if the tiny microorganisms living in our gut could help with weight loss.
They picked a specific probiotic called B. lactis Fit that was first found in the most unusual place you can imagine—the poop of breastfed infants. (Yes, you read that right.)
The scientists recruited 99 overweight women who were around 53 years old on average. Half got the probiotic, and the other half got a placebo for 12 weeks.
Those taking the probiotic:
- Lost more fat overall… around 2.6 times more than the other group.
- Shrunk their belly fat by seven times more than the placebo takers.
- Saw their BMI (body mass index) go down a bit.
- Had better triglyceride levels (supporting heart health).
And here’s a cool bonus: if the women had already gone through menopause, the effects were even greater.
Let’s face it: Many of us carry around a few extra pounds these days. And it’s not just about fitting into your favorite jeans… being overweight can lead to all sorts of health issues.
So, finding new ways to help people manage their weight is a big deal. And this potent probiotic, combined with a healthy diet and moving more, could be it.
Way back in 2006, scientists first realized that skinny folks and those on the plumper side have different mixes of bacteria in their guts.
However, scientists aren’t 100 percent sure HOW these tiny probiotic bugs help us shed weight, but they have some good ideas:
- They may change how we digest our food.
- They might mess with how our bodies store fat.
- They could be chatting with the hormones that control our appetite and metabolism.
The new research is impressive, but remember, this is just one study, and we need more (independent) research to ensure this probiotic’s benefits.
On the other hand, we know that probiotics bring many different benefits to the table.
The bottom line? Our bodies are amazing and complex, and we’re learning new things about them all the time. And our gut bacteria undoubtedly has many more lessons in store for us. So, stay tuned.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
Are Your Senses Sending You an SOS?
As you age, changes in how you see, hear, or even smell things are common. But ignoring these changes to your senses can come at a steep cost.
What Your Poop Schedule Says About Your Health
A new study reveals what bowel movement frequency says about health (and why we should pay attention). Is your poop schedule healthy? Find out.
Herbal Hero CRUSHES Bad Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
A groundbreaking new study suggests garlic can be a secret weapon against high blood sugar and cholesterol. Here’s how…
Olive Extract Boosts Weight Loss
Research confirms that a potent olive extract triggers the release of beneficial hormones that naturally combat obesity and blood sugar issues.
Mailbag: The Sip, Swish, Smile Fix for Dry Mouth
Dry mouth isn’t just annoying. It can also lead to dental problems if left unchecked. Find out the fix…
Fruit Bowl Secret to a Healthier Heart
Eating more of this delicious fruit significantly lowers cardiovascular disease risk. Click to discover the fruit-bowl secret to a healthier heart.
Sleep Troubles? Try This “Outdoor” Fix
Breathing outdoor air comes with BIG benefits like better sleep. But you don’t have to hike into the woods to reap the rewards of outdoor snoozing.
P.S. Probiotics 101… how to pick the right supplement.
Source:
M. Lee et al., Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301 (B. lactis Fit™) supplementation effects on body fat, serum triglyceride, and adipokine ratio in obese women: a randomized clinical trial, Food Funct., 2024,15, 8448-8458, doi: 10.1039/D4FO00535J
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....