You’ve heard the old adage, trust your gut, right? Well, it’s especially true when it comes to weight loss. According to a 2021 study, it’s crucial to trust and support your gut bacteria because the good bugs in your gut directly impact your ability to shed weight.
Lead study author Christian Diener, Ph.D., offers some further insight.
“Your gut microbiome can help or cause resistance to weight loss, and this opens up the possibility of trying to alter the gut microbiome to impact weight loss,” he notes. Dr. Diener adds that the gut microbiome is a major player in modulating whether a weight loss intervention will be successful.
So, what if you don’t have gut-healthy genes? Well, research suggests you can still drastically adjust and improve the health of your gut bacteria. Read more about the Link Between Gut Health & Weight Loss here.
In the meantime, let's dive into some practical tips on nurturing your gut while shedding those unwanted pounds.
Probiotics + Prebiotics
Probiotics – are the friendly bacteria that call your gut home. These good guys play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for digestion and overall health. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, can help support a healthy gut flora. Probiotics can also aid in weight loss by improving digestion and nutrient absorption. Probiotics need fuel to survive, and that’s where prebiotics come in. The fibers in various foods, including apricots, almonds, artichokes, and apples, fit the bill. For more info on savvy supplementation, head to Guide to Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Digestive Enzymes.
Fiber: Your Gut’s BFF
This unsung hero is essential for a happy, healthy gut and can be a game-changer on your weight loss journey. Fiber helps keep things moving smoothly in your digestive tract, aids in the elimination of waste and toxins, and helps you feel fuller for longer. Incorporate plenty of fiber-rich foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Not only will this support your gut health, but it'll also help keep those hunger pangs at bay. Click here to learn How to Ease the Transition to Whole Foods.
Hydration: Drink Up!
Let's talk about hydration. Staying properly hydrated is critical to supporting a healthy gut and aiding in weight loss. Water helps keep things moving smoothly in your digestive tract, prevents constipation, and flushes out toxins from your body. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, and consider swapping sugary drinks for herbal tea or infused water for an extra gut-friendly boost.
One thing we can all agree upon is that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for optimum well-being. Eating a gut-friendly diet that contains plenty of fiber, prebiotics, fermented foods rich in probiotics, and savvy supplementation can help the beneficial bacteria in your gut thrive, not to mention aid weight loss.
For more gut health advice, visit our Digestive Support page and take a 2-minute quiz to find your digestive solution. Or contact our Customer Service Team, who can answer your questions seven days a week at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (800) 940-1972.
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