Logo NHC

How Gut Health May Support Weight Management

gut health
Learn how to promote weight loss and overall gut health.

The bacteria at work in and on your body comprise a vast network that modern science is only now beginning to understand. These tiny organisms, which make up your microbiome, play a massive role in your overall health and wellness. If your gut is imbalanced, it may affect your immune system, digestion, heart health, and more. Some studies also suggest that a healthy, balanced gut may play a role in weight loss.

The tiny bacteria in your gut affect the way your body metabolizes food, stores fat, and burns calories. Research suggests that being mindful of your gut health may possibly help you make strides in your weight loss journey. Keep reading to learn more about the relationship between a healthy gut and a healthy weight.

Understanding Your Microbiome

Your microbiome is made up of trillions of bacterial cells, many of which are located in the lining of your large intestine. Simply put, these cells can be labeled as either good and bad bacteria, but most of them fall into the good category. Food, stress, and medicines such as antibiotics can throw your gut bacteria out of balance, making it harder to lose weight and have the energy needed to live a healthy lifestyle.

How Your Gut Can Affect Weight Loss

As the food you eat moves through your body it comes into contact with the bacteria in your gut, which then affects how your body processes food. You’ve probably been told that fiber is part of a healthy diet, but what you may not know is that your body can’t process fiber on its own. Instead, the bacteria in your gut process fiber, and in doing so release beneficial chemicals that may promote weight loss and gut health.

How to Support Gut Health

You are not powerless when it comes to supporting your microbiome, in fact there are several things you can do to control the balance of bacteria in your gut. For starters, eating foods that are naturally rich in probiotics such as kombucha, yogurt, and other fermented foods can be tremendously beneficial. Additionally, ensure that your diet is fiber-rich, allowing the bacteria in your gut to release those helpful chemicals. However, sometimes diet alone is not enough, which is where natural supplements can help bridge the gap.

Supplements to Support Healthy Digestion

Probiotic Supplements

One of most effective ways to balance your gut is by taking probiotic supplements. Probiotic supplements can provide a boost to your gut health that is unavailable in food alone. If you’re looking to increase your probiotic intake, check out Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care from Garden of Life or Ultra Flora Balance from Metagenics.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive Enzymes help your body break down food, but if you’re low on these helpful enzymes if can affect your ability to digest proteins, fiber, and fats. To support your digestive enzyme levels, try Digestive Enzymes Ultra from Pure Encapsulations, or Digest from Premier Research Labs.

Natural Fiber Supplements

If you feel your diet needs a boost of fiber, start by increasing your intake of fiber rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you need a bit of extra support, fiber supplements can help. Check out Raw Fiber Beyond from Garden of Life, or Psyllium Fiber from Premier Research Labs to ensure your gut is well equipped to support healthy weight management.

Have you noticed a correlation between gut health and weight loss? How do you intentionally support a healthy gut? Tell us about it in the comments section below.