(NaturalPath) According to a study out of China and published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, consuming probiotics, so-called ‘good bacteria’, can reduce body weight and body mass index (BMI). There has been proven benefits to the consumptions of probiotic supplements, often added to yoghurts that support general wellbeing in addition to improving immunity. However, evidence for the beneficial effects of probiotics has been lacking.
Using 25 randomized human trials that included 1,900 healthy adults, the researchers found that taking probiotics reduced BMI and body weight with the greatest reduction in BMI occurring in overweight adults. Interestingly, an increase in the weight loss was found if more than one type of probiotic was taken and the individuals took probiotics for eight weeks or more.
“To date, quite a few researchers have investigated the effects of probiotics on body weight and BMI, without a consistent result,” said one researcher. This study is significant in being able to show a modest decrease in body weight and BMI with the ingestion of probiotics.
This could be another tool in the toolbox in helping those who are unhealthily overweight lose those pesky pounds.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.