The Bacteria in Your Gut Might Make You Fat

[Guest guest]

http://www.mercola.com/2006/aug/31/the_bacteria_in_your_gut_might_make_you_fat.h\

tm

 

 

The Bacteria in Your Gut Might Make You Fat

 

 

 

Gut MicrofloraThis interesting New York Times feature examines the

emerging research on infectobesity -- the theory that microbes and

viruses may be responsible for at least some instances of obesity.

 

If these are indeed a relevant factor, it could potentially change the

way obesity is generally regarded.

 

One Washington University professor likened the functioning of gut

microflora in our bodies to that of an ant farm that works together as

an intelligence to perform an array of functions we're unable to manage

on our own.

 

One of those chores includes extracting calories from the foods we eat,

so the microflora in your gut may play a key role in obesity. While the

field is still relatively new, a variety of studies -- including

experiments in changing the gut microflora of mice -- indicate that such

microbes can strongly affect metabolism.

 

Another area of research examines viruses and infections as a potential

cause of obesity. Certain viruses may actually cause weight gain, rather

than the wasting away typically associated with disease.

 

Nearly a third of the American public is obese, and obesity may account

for 300,000 deaths a year. It has been linked to diseases including

diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis and some

cancers.

 

New York Times

<http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/magazine/13obesity.html?ex=1156392000 & en=2d17\

b598cc4863ca & ei=5070>

August 13, 2006

 

------

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Most people don't realize the trillions of bacteria in your gut

<http://www.mercola.com/2006/jul/20/the_one_item_you_must_bring_when_traveling_e\

specially_internationally.htm>

outnumber the cells of your body by a factor of 10 to 1. This is one of

the reasons they are such a major influence on your health. It is

encouraging to see such a major extended piece in the New York Times

reviewing this important topic.

 

I must admit it was somewhat surprising to read about the association

between the bacteria and obesity as it seems to come from out of left

field, totally unexpected. If this association is true, though, it is

important as obesity is the second most common preventable cause of

death, after smoking, and is a multi-faceted disease requiring a variety

of treatment measures

<http://www.mercola.com/2006/may/27/underselling_the_obesity_epidemic_in_america\

..htm>

to tame.

 

Fortunately, positively influencing the bacteria growing in your body is

relatively easy. One of the most important steps you can take is to

stop consuming sugary foods

<http://www.mercola.com/2005/may/4/sugar_dangers.htm>, which feed the

bad bacteria that promote disease.

 

This is one of many reasons I highly recommend reducing, with the plan

of eliminating, sugars and most grains

<http://www.mercola.com/article/insulin.htm> from your diet. *When you

eat a healthy diet that is low in sugars and processed foods one of the

major benefits is that it causes the good bacteria in your gut to

flourish and build up a major defense against the bad bacteria getting a

foothold on your health.*

 

*This is particularly true for anaerobic bacteria, yeast, fungi and many

other parasites.*

 

*The nutritional root of many of our diseases are related to an

optimized balance of intestinal bacteria. That is why o*ne of the first

suggestions I make to a new patient is to take *a high-quality

probiotic* that promotes the good bacteria.

 

*Following the proper food choices

<http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/index.htm> will help shift the

bacteria, but, just like your lawn, it is wise to " reseed " areas that

have become depleted after you consume sugar or take antibiotics.*

 

However, it's hard to find a good probiotic

<http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/11/probiotics.htm>. You may find a good

one with the help of an expert at your local health food store. If you

don't have a resource, however, you may want to consider Rebalanced

Probiotic Plus <http://www.mercola.com/products/probiotics_plus.htm>,

now offered in my Web store.

 

However, do bear in mind that gut microflora, while an interesting and

critical factor in your health, are only one part of the multi-step

approach that should be used to combat obesity.