Several varieties of yogurt on the market claim to contain probiotics to help you improve your digestion, ease gastrointestinal symptoms and lose weight. While you may get some health benefits from consuming probiotics, they are not a magic bullet especially when it comes to weight loss. If you are looking for the right weight loss program, consult with a physician or registered dietitian who can make personalized recommendations.
Probiotics
Probiotics are often called the good kind of bacteria as they are similar to the bacteria normally found in your intestines that help to fight off disease, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. However, many strains of probiotics exist and the amount contained in foods such as yogurt or supplements can vary widely. Given this, much more research is needed to determine the health benefits from consuming probiotics and exactly how much you need.
Probiotic Benefits
The most common type of probiotic found in yogurt is lactobacillus acidophilus. Consuming probiotics can help when you are taking antibiotics, which kill both the harmful as well as the good bacteria. In these cases, probiotics may help to replenish the level of helpful bacteria in your system, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Probiotics may also help to control diarrhea and constipation, improve lactose intolerance and prevent gastrointestinal infections. Consuming probiotics has not been linked directly to improved weight loss.
Weight Loss and Probiotics
If you are experiencing unwanted weight loss due to an intestinal disorder, your doctor may recommend including probiotics in your daily diet through food or supplements. Probiotics may help calm your symptoms so you feel more like eating, allowing you to gain weight.
For healthy individuals, consuming yogurt with probiotics will most likely not have any effect on your weight. However, increasing the amount of probiotics through diet is considered generally safe, notes MayoClinic.com. Foods such as yogurt are part of an overall healthy diet and probiotics may help improve digestion. Supplements can cause side effects so they should only be used under medical supervision.
Weight Loss Principals
When it comes to weight loss, no magic foods or pills exist, especially if you want to maintain the weight loss. Yogurt is a healthy food that provides the body with calcium and vitamin D, and it can aid weight loss efforts if it is eaten in place of higher calorie foods. To actually lose weight, you must use up more calories than you take in, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 1 lb. equals 3,500 calories, you need to reduce your caloric intake by 500 to 1,000 calories per day to lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week. To prevent complications, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Weight loss is also more successful if watching your calorie intake is combined with regular exercise to burn calories.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus acidophilus
- MayoClinic.com; Probiotics: Important for a Healthy Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Weight: Losing Weight
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