Although several methods for treating excessive weight gain are used, obesity remains a major public health problem, which requires novel nutritional and/or medical solutions.
A high-calorie diet is a causal factor for obesity and may induce changes in the function of the gut microbiome. In addition to nutritional, lifestyle and genetic factors, it has been suggested that obesity may also result from the disruption of the intestinal flora, which affects metabolic function and energy equilibrium.
Does Unhealthy Gut Make You Fat?
The gut microbiome consists of various bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that reside in the digestive tract, with its composition varying among individuals. An increasing number of research studies have indicated that a relationship exists between these gut probiotics and diet.
It appears that gut bacteria alter the way we store fat, how we balance levels of glucose in the blood, and how we respond to hormones that make us feel hungry or full. The wrong mix of microbes, it seems, can help set the stage for obesity from the moment of birth.
Even more unexpected, recent studies suggest that gut microbiome composition can predict an individual’s response to weight loss interventions.
How Gut Health Affects Your Overall Health
New research suggests that bowel health can be linked not only to obesity, but also to its numerous related medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Some experts believe that the gut microbiome may also significantly influence an individual’s overall well-being by modulating metabolism, immune function, and even mental health.
An imbalance of intestinal flora composition due to dietary or environmental changes can promote overgrowth of pathogenic organisms that cause chronic inflammation, thereby playing a major role in the pathology of chronic metabolic and intestinal diseases. In contrast, a healthy balance of intestinal microbiome may play a role in preventing or alleviating obesity and metabolic diseases
How To Proactively Maintain Healthy Gut
InvestMed’s gut bacteria testing is an individualised testing of a patient’s gut bacteria to determine what foods and supplements can maximise their health and well being. The gut bacteria test, part of a suite of health packages designed to meet the patient’s individual needs, can uncover their microbiome’s unique nutritional needs. This allows for a targeted action with health products and personalised food recommendations, thus directly addressing the root cause of the symptoms.
InvestMed’s comprehensive analysis provides insights into beneficial and harmful microbial activities in the patient’s gut, and can help identify any signs of inflammation. By analysing the activity of the microbiome, the test can identify any imbalances that may be affecting the patient’s metabolic health and make personalised recommendations to optimise their nutrition and support healthy weight management.