We have often heard the saying “Go with what your gut says”. And if your gut wants to stay
healthy then why not focus on keeping a gut healthy? A healthy gut can impact your life in
various ways. For those who are on a weight loss journey, it is essential to know the
importance of keeping the gut healthy. A healthy digestive system can help lose unwanted
fats.

It is common to hear some people not putting on weight despite much calorie intake.
Whereas in some bodies little calories can greatly influence weight gain. All these depend on
an individual’s metabolism. Metabolism is a complex process that determines how the body
uses calories and also regulates appetite.
Various microorganisms in the digestive tract influence digestion, metabolism, fat storage,
appetite, and overall health.
According to the research done, the environment of the gut can determine the body’s reaction
to weight loss efforts. Every individual has a different composition of the microbiome and
hence reacts differently to weight loss.
Benefits of having a healthy gut
A healthy gut indicates healthy bacteria in your intestine. Keeping gut health is important for
the following given reasons –
It supports healthy digestion
Improves metabolism
Provides nutrients and essential enzymes
Protects the body against harmful pathogens
Improves the immune system
Unhealthy guts may compromise the body’s immune system, cause weight gain, affects your
mood, and also makes you feel low.
Understanding the ways your gut health can affect weight loss
Gut health and digestion
The microbes lining the intestine are in direct contact with the food. The microbes present in
the gut can bring changes in bile juices (digestive juice) thus affecting the digestion,
metabolism of essential amino acids, and breakdown of nutrients.
Certain components of foods are digested by the bacteria in the intestine which may not be
absorbed or digested through the human body. Your gut health can affect weight loss by
determining which component of food is digested. When the microbiomes in the gut digest
fiber it supports your weight loss effort.
Gut health and hormones
The hormones play a major role in regulating your appetite. Gut health may determine the
hormones produced. The breakdown of foods by the gut flora may produce some chemicals
which can suppress your appetite. An imbalance of gut bacteria can eventually cause
increased food intake and less satisfaction after eating a meal.
Gut health and inflammation
The imbalance of various species in the gut may occur as a result of improper food intake,
medicine intake, age factors, and environmental changes. This can increase the unfavorable
pathogens which can negatively impact the digestive system and cause chronic inflammation
in the body. Balancing gut flora can help you stay away from putting on extra fats, prevent
various metabolic diseases, and affect your overall well-being.
Role of probiotics and prebiotics in keeping you fit and your gut healthy
Probiotics are substance containing live bacteria that stimulates the growth of beneficial
microorganisms in the intestine and maintains the intestinal flora. Eating probiotic-rich foods
or probiotic supplements can keep your digestive system healthy and support weight loss.
Foods, especially fermented foods are rich in probiotics which benefit health by improving
gut health.
Your gut has many microorganisms. Some favor your body and some may not. These
microbiomes are important for producing nutrients and digestion. Probiotic supplements are
known to have a positive impact on health issues related to heart, type 2 diabetes, infectious
diseases, etc.
Probiotics and prebiotics have been largely used in the prevention and treatment of various
chronic conditions. It also has a positive result in reducing the fat content and lowering the
BMI (body mass index) as it may reduce calorie absorption and reduce inflammation.
Impact of Healthy food and Healthy gut on Weight loss
Obesity is one of the public health concerns causing various health problems. What you eat
can greatly impact the microbiome in the gut. Your dietary pattern can significantly affect the
diversity of microbes in the intestine.
For example, fiber-rich foods improve the gut flora and are linked with weight loss. Whereas
fatty foods or foods with low fiber content can compromise healthy bacteria and adversely
affect gut health. As a result, it leads to weight gain. A healthy gut can prevent weight gain,
and improve glucose metabolism and lipid profile.
People who are overweight and/or obese have a lesser number of bacteria
named Akkermansia muciniphila and Christensenella minuta. Whereas the latter two support
weight loss bacteria, they are found in people with ideal body weight. eating a variety of
fruits and veggies, and consuming fiber-rich foods can help prevent putting on extra weight.
Conclusion
Good gut health is extremely important for weight loss. Eating the right food is an important
ingredient to promote gut health and prevent obesity. Keeping yourself active and following a
healthy lifestyle can contribute to a healthy gut, fat regulation, and weight management.