What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are helpful bacteria that reside in the gut and can aid in digestion. Most commonly known as Lactobacillus and Bifodo bacteria, probiotics contribute to the growth of good bacteria that promote good digestive health and wellness. Studies have shown that having good bacteria majorly affects once health due to how well and efficient your stomach bacteria can break down and absorb food and nutrients.
Probiotics and Weight Loss
Probiotics can be a welcome addition in weight loss efforts. The complement of a probiotic-rich diet is a good combination to exercise as it focuses on the reducing stomach bloat and aiding in faster digestion of ingested food. A balance of 85% good bacteria is recommended for a healthy stomach bacteria ratio and is achieved by eating fermented foods or taking a probiotic supplement.
Weight loss is achieved on the onset of a calorie deficit – that is, being able to burn more calories than calories being taken in. Burning calories is dealt by one’s metabolism and exercise while calories intake deals with a person’s diet or food intake. The use of probiotic shores up the latter by ensuring food is digested and processed quickly and thoroughly.
Sources for Probiotics in Food
The following are some examples of food that contain probiotics or other good gut bacteria:
- Yogurt / Kefir / Cheese. The fermentation process cultivates good bacteria making fermented dairy products very probiotic-rich. Watch the calorie intake thought due to the dairy component.
- Sauerkraut and Kimchi. Also known as fermented cabbage, sauerkraut and kimchi are processed without heat so as not to kill bacteria and are low in calories.
- Kombucha Tea. A probiotic drink that’s fermented with a mix of tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast.
- A soy-based product that can be used as substitute for meat. Tempeh undergoes a fermentation process that’s similar to tofu.
- Miso Soup. Composed of fermented rye, beans or barley, Miso soup is a Japanese probiotic-rich soup that accompanies many traditional meals.
These are only a few examples of source for probiotic bacteria. There are also probiotic drinks that are widely available in local supermarkets and the like.
Conclusion
Probiotics and good gut bacteria contribute to good health and weight loss but remember that this is not some silver bullet guarantees weight loss. Plenty of factors are combined in a weight loss effort and could be highly subjective depending on a person’s biological and environmental make up. Probiotics then should be treated as a supplement to weight loss and for general wellness.
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