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by Dr. Rami El-Hussieny, ND
As the seasons change, so do our bodies. We have a natural tendency to put on few extra pounds during the winter, as well as shed a few in the summer. We inherited this genetic ability from our ancestors who desperately needed the extra fat layer for warmth during the harsh cold seasons. If you are like myself, and don't mind giving your body a helping hand when it comes to slimming up for the summer months, then perhaps you will find this information useful…
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics like lactobacillus acidophilus, and other friendly bacteria that live in our gut serve many beneficial functions. We have known for some time that probiotic supplementation is essential to supporting a healthy immune system, and for maintaining proper digestion (1). It is a mainstay of the naturopathic treatment protocols that I use with patients in my private practice, and I highly recommend it for anyone on, or recently completing a course of antibiotics.
New research has uncovered what appears to be a direct link between the micro-flora in our gut and our ability to manage our weight. In a recent article published by the Mayo Clinic, researchers have surmised that "…modification of the microbiota as one means to treat people who are over-weight or obese." (2). This article sums up the findings of several animal studies that suggest there seems to be a very specific make-up of the gut flora in the obese, and a very different make-up of gut flora in the lean.
In a study released by the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that when they transferred the bacterial flora of obese mice into a group of mice without any gut flora, the group experienced an average of 60% increase in body fat content and insulin resistance within 2 weeks, even though they were fed less food than the obese group (3).
Roughly translated, the bacteria living in the gut of obese and/or overweight individuals appear to be more efficient at extracting calories out of our food. The excess in caloric intake is then usually converted into fat cells. We also inherited this trait from our ancestors who greatly benefited from the ability to use food efficiently when there was not always food to be found. However, in the modern era where we have all but unlimited access to high-calorie foods, what was once a genetic advantage is now somewhat of a limitation.
What does all this mean? Simply that you now have an additional safe, natural, and effective tool to help you maintain your ideal weight. Balancing the gut with a quality probiotic supplement may prove to be an essential component of helping people loose unwanted pounds and maintain their ideal weight. If you are trying to maintain a healthy weight here are some naturopathic principles you might wish to consider…
• Regular Exercise Regiment
- Minimum 3-4 x week, 45-60 min cardio, heart rate 120 bpm
• De-Stress Regularly
- Minimum 3 x week - yoga, meditation, nature-walk, etc.
• Healthy, Small-Portioned Meals
- 5-6 meals a day, no larger than your fist
- High in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates
• Drink Water
- ˝ your body weight in ounces every day
• Take Your Supplements
- Daily Probiotic
1-2 capsules daily, in morning, away from food (can be taken with food for a sensitive stomach)
New Chapter - All Flora, Jarrow - Jarrowdophilus, etc
- Standard Regiment - At least a high quality …
Multivitamin (New Chapter, Enzymatic Therapies, etc.)
Fish oil, 1000mg 2x day (Carlson's, Renew Life, etc.)
To your good health,
Dr. Rami El-Hussieny, ND
(1) Natural Standard. Bottom Line Monograph:Probiotics. Available at: http://www.naturalstandard.com. Accessed May 4, 2008
(2) Diabese J K, Gut Microbiota and Its Possible Relationship with Obesity. Mayo Clin Proc. 2008; 83(4):460-469.
(3) Backhed F, Ding H, Wang T, et al. The Gut Microbiota as an Environmental Factor that Regulates Fat Storage. PNAS. 2004; 101(44):15718-15723
