Probiotics Weight Loss Reviews

Can Taking Probiotics Help You Lose Weight? The Pros & Cons

Have you ever wondered how probiotics work in the body or if they can help you lose weight? If so, you're not alone. The term "probiotics" has become something of a buzzword, but few people really understand what they do in the body besides aiding digestion.

This article will explore what probiotics are, how they work, and how you can use them to achieve your physical health and weight loss goals. 

What are probiotics, and how do they work? 

Probiotics are a combination of good bacteria and yeasts that naturally live in our bodies. Bacteria is usually seen as a bad thing, as we try to avoid contact with it to prevent illness. However, there are both good and bad bacteria living in and on the body. 

Probiotics are made of good bacteria that help fight off bad bacteria when it finds its way into the body. If your body contains more good bacteria than bad bacteria, the likelihood is that you feel physically well and you will not get sick. But if the bad bacteria outweighs the good bacteria, you're likely to feel nauseous, bloated, constipated and sluggish. Clearly, probiotics are something we'd like to have in abundance! 

Probiotics are part of an intricate bacterial system in the body; this is known as the microbiome. A microbiome is a diverse group of organisms made up of microbes, working together to maintain good physical health. There are trillions of microbes in the body and are a combination of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.

Everyone's microbiome is unique - even identical twins have different microbiomes! 

Many people take probiotics to relieve diarrhea, IBS, IBD, constipation, UTIs (urinary tract infections), lactose intolerance, yeast infections and many other issues. Some people make a habit of taking probiotics after being prescribed antibiotics to maintain good gut health.

Best Probiotics Brands for Weight Loss 

For weight loss specifically, it's believed that taking probiotics may reduce the calories your body absorbs when you eat. For example, if you eat a snack that has a value of 100 calories, you may only absorb 95 calories.

Studies have also found that consuming probiotics with the "Lactobacillus" family can help reduce body fat when combined with diet and exercise. Women who took this probiotic lost 50% more weight over a 3 month period than those who took a placebo.

Best probiotic for belly fat is USANA Probiotic

Another benefit of probiotics is that studies have found that bad bacteria can increase insulin spikes, which lead to weight gain. Scientists have found substantial differences between the bacteria found in lean and fit individuals and those who are obese. If you can balance your gut bacteria, you'll be in a better position to lose weight. One contributing factor to this is that probiotics help release a hormone known as GLP-1. This hormone encourages the body to burn fat and calories while suppressing our appetite, so it's certainly a great hormone to have when you’re trying to lose weight.

How can you tell if your probiotics are working? 

If you've been taking probiotics to address any health issues, you'll know if your probiotic is working by keeping an eye on any changes to how you feel physically. If you notice severe physical symptoms before starting a probiotic, it'll be easier to notice any changes and improvements. It's worth noting that probiotics are taken orally and pass through the digestive tract, so the first improvement you'll notice will be to your digestive symptoms.

For weight loss, you should start to see results after 2-3 weeks. The results should not be drastic, but you should see your weight loss become more consistent over time. 

When is the best time to take a probiotic? 

Unlike other supplements, the best time to take a probiotic is on an empty stomach. Ideally, that's first thing in the morning, about an hour before your first meal, or the last thing at night, depending on your routine. This is because your stomach is at its most acidic when you eat, and so you may end up killing off your good bacteria before it has a chance to get to the large intestine, which is where we need it. 

Are there any side effects if you take too many probiotics? 

As with taking any supplement, some people experience side effects when they introduce probiotics into their diet. Most reactions are mild and include: 

• Bloating 
• Gassiness 
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Thirst
• Weight gain - some strains have been seen to promote weight gain, so ensure you're using those that promote weight loss

In rare cases, someone may experience an allergic reaction. If you experience difficulty breathing, you should contact a medical professional immediately, but in most cases, an allergy will appear as: 

• Rash 
• Itching 
• Hives 

Pros & Cons of Taking Probiotics 

Pros 

Scientists believe that certain probiotics can inhibit how we absorb fat from foods as it increases the amount of fat leaving the body when we go to the toilet. Probiotics are believed to release appetite-regulating hormones, which help the body burn calories and fat. 

Probiotics may also increase levels of certain proteins, which can lead to reduced fat storage.

Scientists have also linked obesity to inflammation. When a person is obese, their fat cells multiply and become bigger. As these fat cells increase in size, the blood supply is compromised, resulting in lower oxygen delivery levels and subsequent cell death. By improving our gut health, we may use probiotics to reduce systemic inflammation, protect against obesity and prevent associated diseases like cancer and heart failure.

A healthy balance of probiotics can help us fight off illness, allergies, and even mental health issues. A review of 35 studies even found that probiotics can reduce the duration of diarrhea by 25 hours.

Probiotics help our digestive system stay healthy and reduces instances of diarrhea and other stomach discomforts. 

Probiotics may help our bodies absorb fewer calories from food, which can help us lose weight. 

Cons

Some people will experience some negative side effects, such as bloating

Some strands are believed to aid in weight gain, which can mean that buying a probiotic not designed for weight loss may work against you 

Thinking About Taking a Probiotic?

Taking a probiotic for weight loss can be an effective way to support your weight loss goals, but you need to ensure you're taking the right one if your goal is to lose weight. As a doctor, I recommend USANA Probiotics. Remember that a probiotic supplement isn't a weight loss pill - it's designed to help your body work optimally, so your body doesn't feel sluggish or hold on to nutrition it doesn't need. If you're on the Road Map to Easy Weight Loss program, taking probiotics is a great way to support your journey and feel your best.