How improving your gut health can help you lose weight

Words DR LIZ ISENRING

Gut health is the core of all health. Having a healthy gut means having an ideal amount and diversity of good bacteria (probiotics). Having a healthy gut can prevent unwanted weight gain and even help with weight loss in several ways. One way is by the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Gut bacteria are involved in the production of several vitamins including vitamin K and some of the B vitamins, which are important for overall health and energy production. Gut health can also impact the breakdown and excretion of fats affecting how much energy is stored as fat by the body.

Have you ever had intense food cravings or feel that you aren’t satisfied after eating a meal? Well a healthy gut is important for the production of different hormones which help in the regulation of appetite and help you feel full, hence helping prevent over-eating. Research has shown that people who are overweight tend to have less diversity of the good bacteria in our large intestine. Improving this by diet and probiotics can help balance hormones and help with weight loss.

Another way in which gut health can help with healthy weight loss is by the gut-brain axis. This describes the two-way communication between the gut and the brain. A healthy gut makes more serotonin which can help in improved mood and energy levels. By decreasing our stress hormones and improving our ‘happy’ hormones, this can help improve our energy levels and make it easier to stick to a healthy diet and regularly include enjoyable movement.

Tips for a healthier gut include:

• A diet containing plenty of plantbased foods that provide a food source for the gut bacteria. For example: vegetables, fruits, legumes like lentils and chickpeas and whole grain cereals.

• Fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, kombucha and pickled vegetables.

• Keep well hydrated and aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day (herbal teas count).

• Reduce stress by deep breathing exercises, meditation or journaling.

• Regularly include enjoyable movement like dancing, walking and swimming.

• Smile, have fun and live life!!

Clients report that my gut health programs improve symptoms, help improve mood and energy and helps them feel better ‘from the inside out!’ All my health programs are based on mindset, nutrition and movement for visible results.

Dr Liz Isenring is a Wellness Coach, Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist and Professor of Nutrition. To receive a free Dr Liz Gut Health eBook please email ProfLiz@lincnutrition.com.au Please feel free to get in touch to ask about her personalised and online wellness programs. Phone: 0434 635 090. www.lincnutrition.com.au