
Probiotics have a number of notable health benefits for your belly, but one of their best attributes is minimizing chronic bloating and helping to maintain balance within your gut. Ironically, when you first start out on a new probiotic, it may initially worsen bloating, but your body will adjust to the good bacteria over time.
Mind Body Green writes, “Not all types of bacteria are created equal when it comes to gas production. Some strains produce lots of gas as part of their fermentation process, while others produce little to none. Tipping the balance in favor of less gaseous bacterial strains by using a probiotic could mean less gas and therefore less bloat. Shah confirms, "We do know that taking probiotics on a regular basis can support a healthy microbial balance in the gut, which can prevent or alleviate bloating."”
Not all supplements are created equal, so it’s important to make sure that you’re choosing the correct type of probiotic to combat bloating and soothe your digestive system, priming you for weight loss. According to Probiotics Learning Lab the best strains of probiotic to combat bloating are Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® , Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®.
Probiotics may also be beneficial in your weight loss journey, as studies have shown that they can actually help to control your appetite when consumed regularly. According to Healthline, “Some probiotics prevent the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine. The fat is then excreted through feces rather than stored in the body. Probiotics may also help you feel fuller for longer, burn more calories and store less fat. This is partly caused by increasing levels of certain hormones, such as GLP-1.”
If you’re going to begin taking a probiotic, it may be worth investing in a well researched option that is supported by doctors as it can have a massive impact on your gut health. However, they are generally safe to integrate into your diet to enhance the good bacteria in your body, allowing your gut to function properly and minimizing bloating so you can feel your best. If you struggle from chronic inflammation or are looking to give yourself a leg up in your health journey, a probiotic each morning may be the solution you’ve been looking for.