New Research:  More Evidence of Probiotics' Role in Weight Management

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in our digestive tracts. Probiotic supplements have been popular for decades, and probiotic-containing foods, such as yogurt, kefir and probiotic milk, have been around for centuries. Over the last 5 to 10 years, research on probiotics has increased significantly. Read the entire article here...

Article Highlights:

• A new study has found a link between intestinal microflora (microbes) and weight gain during pregnancy
• Researchers found that the overweight women had fewer beneficial bacteria and more harmful bacteria in their digestive tracts.
• High levels of E. coli were associated with excessive weight gain and elevated total and LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") levels.
• Certain genera of beneficial bacteria were related to increased HDL-cholesterol ("good cholesterol"), reduced triglycerides, and better levels of folic acid.

Get all the details on this study -- click here to read the entire article...

The researchers found that "gut microbiota composition is related to body weight, weight gain and metabolic biomarkers during pregnancy, which might be of relevance to the management of the health of women and infants." It is too early to begin recommending probiotic supplements to pregnant women, but this researcher does demonstrate the profound effects these minute organisms have on our bodies.