Probiotics may reduce the number of calories you absorb from food. They also affect levels of hormones and proteins related to appetite and fat storage, as well as potentially reduce inflammation, which can drive obesity.
Specific strains belonging to the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were the most used and those that showed the best results in reducing body weight. Both probiotics and synbiotics have the potential to help in weight loss in overweight and obese populations.
Probiotics and weight loss
A 2021 scientific review of data suggests that the intake of probiotics could lead to weight loss over 12 weeks in combination with other healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity. Another review looked at the relationship between obesity and the gut microbiome.
Women taking the probiotics lost 50% more weight over 3 months, compared with those taking a placebo pill. They also continued to lose weight during the weight maintenance phase of the study.
Probiotics can help with bloating in a few ways. They can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, which can help to reduce inflammation and gas production. Probiotics can also help to digest food more effectively, which can help to reduce bloating.
These prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) fibres may cause some initial gas and bloating for a few sensitive individuals. These side effects should subside within 48-72 hours in most people, but this may take longer in people who have more severe dysbiosis, or if they have never taken a prebiotic before.
One effortless way to increase your metabolism is to add a probiotic supplement to your daily routine. By helping balance the bacterial populations of your gut microbiome, a probiotic supplement can effectively change the way your body processes foods and thus your metabolic rate.
Immune system problems.
In general, while probiotics can have a positive impact on your metabolism, it's still unclear how or if they can help you lose weight. If you're concerned with your weight, consult your doctor about diet and lifestyle changes that can help you drop the pounds.
The short answer: It takes most people 2 to 3 weeks to feel significant benefits when they start taking probiotics. That's because probiotics need time to accomplish their three key goals: increase your good bacteria count, decrease your bad bacteria count, and reduce inflammation.
Probiotics may help you lose weight and belly fat
In particular, studies have found that certain strains of the Lactobacillus family can help you lose weight and belly fat. In one study, eating yogurt with Lactobacillus fermentum or Lactobacillus amylovorus reduced body fat by 3–4% over 6 weeks (29).
Is Yakult Good for Weight Loss? As per research, probiotics release appetite-regulating hormones in the body that reduces the chances of overeating and thus, facilitate weight loss. Probiotics also have proteins that regulate fats in the body. Another animal study also suggests that LcS has anti-obesity effects.
Thus, modulation of gut microbiota by probiotic strains containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus can have beneficial effects on body weight, glucose and fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity and chronic systemic inflammation.
You may be actively consuming a probiotic strain that promotes weight gain while expecting it to help you lose weight. Some strains of probiotics encourage obesity. One such strain is the Lactobacillus Acidophilus which may alter the bacteria in the gut to promote cellular growth (4).
A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis that included twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 821 participants found that those who received probiotic supplementation had more significant reductions in body weight, waist circumference, body fat, and BMI than control groups.
Even if you toss back vitamins or other medication in the morning (including any antibiotics that may have prompted you to start probiotics), you should still take your probiotics at nighttime. With more time in your gut, the good bacteria can get to work healing your digestive issues.
By taking probiotics, it is increasing the number of good bacteria which can detoxify your system and help you absorb nutrients more efficiently. If you have been taking too many antibiotics, the probiotics can balance the negative effects of that as well.
A common question about probiotics is whether it is ok to take probiotic supplements every day. Whilst there may be a few exceptions to this rule, the general answer is yes, it's safe, and usually recommended, to take them daily. It's important to understand that probiotics are a natural supplement and not a medicine.
When probiotics administration is suspended, the probiotic cells are rapidly released, resulting in dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and disruption of the intestinal metabolites and physical function.
It's important to take the recommended dosage of probiotics for bloating, which is typically one to two capsules per day. You may need to increase the dosage if you're taking antibiotics or have a particularly difficult time with bloating.
Probiotics in your skin can reduce inflammation, fight off infection, and strengthen your skin's natural barrier. They can help restore moisture to your skin too. Skincare serums with prebiotics can nurture the probiotics already living on your skin and keep them healthy.
Because microbes used as probiotics already exist naturally in your body, probiotic foods and supplements are generally considered safe. They may trigger allergic reactions, and may also cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or flatulence (passing gas) and bloating for the first few days after starting to take them.
Bottom Line: For most conditions, take probiotics for at least 3-4 weeks to see if they work for you. Acute diarrhea and food intolerances are exceptions to these guidelines.