Last week, a study reported that "Probiotics Cut Belly Fat After Pregnancy." Is this a dream come true or wishful thinking? Well, the evidence is not overwhelming, but there is little downside to possibly less of the fat side.
What is a probiotic?
Probiotics are often referred to as “good bacteria” that are tiny, living organisms that reside in many places in the body, but most often we think of them in the gut or vaginal flora. This good bacteria protects or benefits our body.
How do probiotics decrease belly fat?
First, this was one small study and it is not conclusive. It does support other studies that show a relationship between the good bacteria found in the gut and the way we metabolize food. Studies in mice have shown that obese mice have different gut flora than lean mice - the thought being that the good bacteria gets rid of the food quicker or doesn’t allow every calorie to be absorbed, so it doesn’t go to fat.
The pregnant women in this study were divided into three groups during the first trimester. The first group received dietary education and a probiotic supplement. The second received dietary education and a placebo. The third group only received placebo. Women with the probiotic group had the lowest BMI average, smallest waist measurement as well as the lowest body fat one year after delivery. This central body fat is the most harmful fat to health so it makes the results even more impressive. Click here for more information about the study: https://profreg.medscape.com/px/getlogin.do?urlCache=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5tZWRzY2FwZS5jb20vdmlld2FydGljbGUvNzAyNTU3P3NyYz1tcG5ld3Mmc3Bvbj0xNiZ1YWM9MTgwNDNCWg==
Where do we get probiotics?
There are many places that claim to offer probiotics, and this is another one of those unregulated complementary medicine products, so you have to really be careful about what you buy. Studies have shown that many products that claim to be probiotics do not have enough active or sometimes any bacteria at all.
The International Probiotics Association (IPA) has set criteria for a labeling scheme that will allow probiotics products to bear a quality seal. This is not yet available but should be in effect by 2010.
Here are some of my recommendations until we get official labeling.
A very good capsule is Flora Q, that a local gastroenterologist recommends and has been very helpful for people with inflammatory bowel disease. P&G now has a supplement called Align that has proven to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel disease. Dannon DanActive, Activia and Yo-plus have some good data behind them for bowel health and improved immune system.
What are proven health benefits?
The thing to remember is there are different strains of probiotics and each one has different benefits. The most studied benefit reduces the duration of diarrhea. We see diarrhea for infectious reasons as well as when the natural flora gets wiped out after taking an antibiotic that will kill the bad as well as the good bacteria. Antibiotics can also wipe out the vaginal flora leading to yeast infections, so I will often use probiotics for prevention of yeast infections.
Inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel disease patients have seen tremendous benefit. I have a household member with horrendous foul- smelling gas and I can personally attest to the benefit of probiotics in reducing his mephitic flatulence.
There are studies that support a significant decrease in eczema when babies were supplemented with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus but not seen with a more common strain of probiotic that is often used. There may also be decreased cavities and gingivitis, and less colic in babies with probiotics.
Read overview of probiotic benefits: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123180831081775767.html
Without regulation, it can be difficult to find the right probiotic with a quality dose and consistent regulation. I am glad to see that we will soon have some label approval from the IPA. There is little downside and so many have found benefit. I am excited to see what other research will show.
Will it really cause a tummy tuck? I doubt it. But there seems to be so many benefits; it’s a bug worth trying.
Dr. Deb